Leola P. Baker, 83

GEORGETOWN - Leola P. Baker, 83, of here and formerly of Berlin, Md., died Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at Delaware Hospice - Milford Center in Milford. Born in Berlin, she was the daughter of the late George and Bertha Ellen Purnell. She was a member of Grace and Mercy Ministries in Greenwood. There she served as a mother of the church and a member of the Senior Choir and Pastoral Appreciation Committee. She was formerly a member of St. John United Methodist Church in Sinepuxent, near Berlin. Prior to retiring, Mrs. Baker was employed as a domestic for most of her life. Loving memories will be cherished by her husband, Lendro Baker of Delmar Nursing Home, Delmar; two sons, Warren Purnell of Berlin and William (Mona) Purnell of Georgetown; one sister, Ellen Tate of Lincoln; 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, in-laws, and friends. A daughter, Daisy Purnell, has preceded her in death. Mrs. Baker will lie in state on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. to noon at the United Deliverance Bible Center, 7th Street, Laurel. The funeral service will begin at noon. Rev. Joyce Mizzelle will be the Officiating Pastor. Burial will be in New Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery, Germantown Road, Berlin. A ministry of comfort and dignity is being provided by the Lewis N. Watson Funeral Home, PA in Salisbury. Please visit www.lewisnwatsonfuneralhome.com to offer condolences to the family.