Jane Grimland Purcell

Jane Ludwig Grimland Purcell, 95, of Marietta, GA, entered the life everlasting on Wednesday, December 26th. Affectionately known to her grandchildren and others as “Mama Jane”, she was a dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew her. Jane was born on October 23, 1923 in Dallas, TX to Bennett Ludwig and Octavia Ludwig Palmer. She graduated from Waco High School and later met and married Joseph Fort Grimland. Jane loved the fact that she was born and raised a Texan and she never lost her fast talking, energetic Texas spirit. She and Joe lived in Dallas, TX and Jacksonville, FL, then settled in Marietta in 1951 after he accepted a position with Lockheed. Joe later opened The Grimland Manufacturing Company and Jane was there assisting him with the day to day operations, until his passing in 1961. Jane was only 38 when she was widowed but she relied on her faith, strength and sense of humor to raise her 4 children. Jane was a very active member at Marietta First United Methodist Church, and it was here that she met William E. Purcell in the Progressive Sunday School Class while he was principal at Marietta High School. They married in 1969 and moved with her children to Bowdon, Georgia until his retirement. The family then returned to Marietta in 1974. The Purcells enjoyed a long, happy marriage and spent time golfing together and trout fishing in the North Georgia mountains. Jane is survived by her children Joseph Fort Grimland, Jr. and his wife, Libby; Thomas Cornelius Grimland; Claudia Purcell Davis and her husband, Kenny; Georgia G. Rambo and her husband, Mark; and Cathy G. Ottley. Her daughter Janie R. Grimland predeceased her. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Will Slayton Davis, Anna Clare Dotson, Robert Glover Ottley, Jr., Taylor Hayden Rambo, Mary Elise Ottley, and Christopher Hays Ottley and great grandchild, Daniela Dotson. Jane loved her grandchildren more than anything and she leaves a legacy of love and service through them. Jane maintained her devotion to Marietta FUMC throughout her life. She was active in the Irma Little and Nettie Kate Circles and served on the Official Board and Christian Social Concerns Committee. Jane also loved sharing her time and talents with the youth. She served in many volunteer positions including MYF leader, Sunday School teacher and Youth Camp arts & crafts leader. She was well loved and had a positive influence on many leaders in the Marietta community. Jane shared these words shortly before her passing: “God bless my friends, Marietta brothers and sisters, and my church.” These are fitting last words for Jane; she always put others first and had a servant heart. She was described as a “hoot”, “never met a stranger”, and “one of a kind” and will be missed by all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, December 30th at Marietta FUMC at 1:00 with a reception and family gathering in the Reception Hall. A private family burial service will be held at the National Cemetery on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Youth program at Marietta FUMC, 56 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, GA 30064.

Jane Grimland Purcell

October 23, 1923 - December 26, 2018