Maxine Elizabeth Pursell

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Maxine Elizabeth Pursell, age 92, of Pinckneyville, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2008, at 9:21 p.m. in Fair Acres Nursing Home, Du Quoin.

Maxine was born on July 13, 1916 in St. Johns, a daughter to John and Lauretta (Keeling) Tucker. On January 27, 1935, she married Elmer A. Pursell and he preceded her in death on April 15, 1977. She was a homemaker and assisted in her husband's insurance business. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, was a Sunday school teacher for many years and was a former member of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed quilting and flower gardening but her life revolved around her family.

Survivors include two sons: Jim (Janet) Pursell of Herrin, and Don (Connie) Pursell of Buena Vista, Ariz., a former daughter-in-law: Jo Pursell of Portland, Ore., nine grandchildren: Heather Reickelman, Robert Opp, Jr., Nathan Opp, Amanda Gerck, Jennifer Jill Pursell, Reese Pursell, James R. Pursell, Jr., Keith Pursell, and Matt Pursell, and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a daughter: Betty Sue Opp.

Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, on Friday, November 28, 2008 at 1 p.m. with Reverend Tim Bauersachs officiating. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Pinckneyville.

Friends may call at the First Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, on Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Oak Grove Cemetery.

Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, is in charge of arrangements. For more information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.