Shirley May Purks

Shirley May Purks, 91, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 18, 2022. She was born in Kincora, New Jersey, on February 15, 1931, the daughter of Louise Green Bender and George Bender. Her sister Doris Bender Shramm is 95 and resides in Bensalem, PA. Shirley is a graduate of Bordentown High School in New Jersey, where she met her husband Kenneth Bernard Purks. Both played instruments in the high school band and participated on varsity athletic teams. Shirley and Ken were married for 48 years. Her beloved husband (Popie to his granddaughters) went home to his Lord and Savior on December 30, 1993. Shirley enjoyed various sports throughout her life including bowling league, senior tennis competitions, golf and mini golf, recreational lawn games, swimming in the pool or ocean, biking, camping, ping-pong, billiards, card games, and tabletop games. She mastered the keyboard and enjoyed playing the organ. Shirley was a valuable teacher and blessing within her church body, marriage, motherhood, and to her granddaughters (and all their friends) and great-grandchildren, and was lovingly known to many as Mom-Mom. She was known for her goodness, kindness, and caring, and was exceptional with children of all ages, who would gravitate to her fun and spunky spirit.

Shirley is survived by her son, Kenneth G. Purks, daughter Debra Matthews (William Matthews), granddaughter Jennifer Whitesel Shultz, granddaughter Erin Whitesel Lelko (Brett Lelko), and great-grandchildren Justice, Agape, Benaiah, and Jireh.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Shirley’s Life, held graveside, Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 25 Byberry Rd., Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the International WAGR Syndrome Association (a rare genetic disorder of a child who is dear to Shirley) at P.O. Box 2875, Montgomery Village, MD 20886 or at www.wagr.org or to Our Daily Bread, a devotional Shirley read every day, at P.O. Box 2222 Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2222 or at www.ourdailybread.org

Shirley’s granddaughters, Jennifer and Erin, have thoughtfully shared some words of remembrance about their Mom-Mom in the guestbook section. The family invites you to add your special memories of Shirley as well.