Andrew Purnell Jr. was the son of Andrew Purnell Sr. and Louise Bell.  He was born June 20, 1934 in Chicago Illinois. 

He attended Tilden Technical High School in Chicago Illinois.  In addition to studying, he was a member of the concert band where he played clarinet.  He attended Illinois State University after graduating in 1952.  While at Illinois State, he worked to pay his college expenses.  He also participated in intramural wrestling, fast-pitch softball and bowling.  He was inducted into lota Lambda Sigma, an honorary fraternity, and served on the advisory boards for his class as a junior and senior.  He along with his sister Barbara joined their peers in forming the University’s first NAACP chapter.  Serving as Vice President, members tested public accommodations for African Americans in Bloomington, Illinois.  Their chapter broke barriers that allowed change in many areas.  He was also a member of the Christian Science Organization at Illinois State.  He graduated from Illinois State in 1957 with a degree in Mathematics.  After graduating from Illinois State University, he was drafted in the United States Army where he did basic training In Colorado and later classified government work in Maryland.  Later he declined a job offer from NASA, choosing instead to attend Roosevelt University to pursue a master’s degree.  After achieving his master’s degree from Roosevelt University, he began his career in education. 

He married Anita Louise Black on August 6, 1961.  From that union, three children were born: Sharon, Anthony & Timothy.  Andrew was preceded in death by both parents Andrew Purnell Sr. and Louise Purnell, his sister Patricia Franklin and sister Barbara Bibbs.  His grandson Daniel Teague and nephew Larry Franklin.

Andrew started out teaching Mathematics in Gary, Indiana.  He went on working in district 218 teaching mathematics at Richards High school and Eisenhower High School.  He became dean of Students at Eisenhower and Assistant Principal at Alan B. Shepard High school retiring in 1994. 

He was a faithful member of the Christian Science Church.  He served as Sunday School teacher, usher, first reader and board member of the church.  He was a philanthropist supporting many organizations such as Illinois State University.  He received many awards for his humanitarian work.  Along with his work, he served as a chaplain for penal institutions and mental hospitals.  He loved traveling, gardening and taking photos.  He was a proud fan of the Chicago Cubs.  He was also known for showing you a photo of him and Jackie Robinson whom he met at a young age. 

In 1983, he went back to Illinois State to create the Black Colleagues Association.  The association was chartered in 1984 with 40 participants.  Today the membership has hundreds of members and raises money to award black students with scholarships.  He served on the University’s Alumni Association Board and various campus committees.  He has been inducted into the Steve and Sandi Adams Legacy Hall of Fame and received the Alumni Association Mercier Outstanding Service Award.  In 2013 he was chosen as the alumnus Homecoming King.  He was so proud of this; he took pride in wearing the homecoming king crown on that day.  In 2019 we received notice that he was to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane from Illinois State University. 

Andrew had many titles such as:  Son, Father, Uncle, Brother, Husband, Army Veteran, Teacher, Dean, Assistant Principal, Alumnus, Cousin, Friend and many more.  He cherished the title of Grandfather the most.  For all his hard work for equality, he was happy to witness the achievements of African Americans in this country.

Andrew departed this earth on March 20, 2020.  He passed away peacefully in his sleep.  He leaves to mourn, one daughter, Sharon Purnell Teague.  Two sons, Anthony Purnell (Dawn) and Timothy Purnell (Estoria), four grandsons Christopher, Joshua, Jonathan and Matthew.  Nieces Michelle Bibbs, Lori Bibbs, Tina Franklin Bertrand, nephew Paul Franklin, step mother Julia Purnell and a host of cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Andrew Purnell Jr. scholarship fund. 
Please visit Andrew Purnell Jr. Memorial Scholarship | Giving - Illinois State