(May 18, 2017) In consideration of a lifetime of civic duty, Barbara Purnell was honored as the 2016 Berlin Citizen of the Year during the 52nd annual Berlin Lions Club Awards gala last Wednesday.

Berlin Mayor Gee Williams, serving as emcee for the event, hit upon an overarching theme during his initial remarks that were later echoed by guest speaker and Worcester County Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor. 

“Gee said something very important, ladies and gentleman: ‘we’ve got to work together,’” Taylor said. “It’s not about one race, it’s not about one people, it’s not about one person. It’s about working together.”

Taylor said volunteerism is a core value that makes Purnell an asset to the community. 

“Working hard for something we love is called passion,” he said.

He added Purnell set an example that others should follow. 

“We must take pride in our community,” he said. “Barbara Purnell takes pride in her community.”

During his introduction speech, noted Eastern Shore painter Patrick Henry said he called Purnell both a friend and family.

“A solid family environment in Barbara’s childhood instilled the sense of purposeful living that she has carried throughout her life,” he said.

Taking it a step further, Henry said Purnell has worked diligently to continue that tradition of excellence.

“She has instilled that same outlook to her five children,” he said. “Each of her children, in their own way, are influential and solid members of the community.”

Henry highlighted the words of last year’s honoree, the recently deceased Jesse “The Mayor of Germantown” Turner, who lost his battle with cancer on March 31. The longtime proprietor of the Berlin Shoe Box, who shuttered his business earlier that same month, was a lifelong friend of Purnell who partnered on numerous community initiatives.

“In nominating his best friend Barbara, the late Jessie Turner stated that she was a ‘hard worker, loyal, honest, [with] a strong will to motivate and [was] always putting others before herself,” he said.

In addition to serving in a multitude of roles as a longtime member of New Bethel United Methodist Church, Henry noted Purnell has also worked with the Worcester County NAACP, the Order of the Eastern Star (a Masonic appendant body), the Worcester County Economic Advisory Board and the Worcester County Board of Elections.

“What’s most fascinating is how she balanced motherhood, career duties and civic activism,” he said.

Her lifetime of service culminated with being honored as Worcester County Woman of the Year in 2005, Henry said.

The Berlin Award was due, in part, to her involvement in reviving the Segregation-era two-room Germantown School on Trappe Road. Purnell attended the school as a small child prior to it being closed in 1953.  

“I believe Barbara can tell you that a great sense of fulfillment has come from the groundbreaking and restoration of the German School Community Heritage Center,” Henry said. “Barbara had volunteered countless hours of her time since 2001 … [and] she is now working tirelessly to make the center a historical and cultural attraction, and a space for all races to gather and celebrate.”

The packed room stood in applause as Henry awarded the official proclamation and warmly embraced the star of the evening. 

Purnell, during her own comments, was characteristically humble and soft-spoken. She said she shared the award with others in the community who volunteered by her side. 

“Honoring me is honoring you, because what I do I couldn’t do it alone,” she said. “You all have supported me, and when I am honored you all get the honor as well, so thank you for your support.”

She expressed gratitude to the Lions Club award committee and singled out her friend, Turner, for the nomination.

Additional commendations followed, beginning with County Commissioners Bud Church and Diana Purnell.

“One thing I know about Barbara, if she has a task to do she will get it done,” Diana Purnell said.

State Del. Charles Otto (R-38A) carried citations from the state legislature as well as from the governor’s office. 

“I can’t say no more than the other speakers have,” he said. “They covered the bases and I say amen.”

Purnell, following the ceremony, said the evening brought back more than a few memories.

“There’s so many things I’ve almost forgotten that I had done,” she said.