With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life and legacy of Victoria L. Purnell, a devoted woman of
God, compassionate servant leader, and cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Victoria was
born on December 6, 1951, in Welch, West Virginia, to the late Lawrence R. Ganaway and Bessie E.
Toliver-Ganaway. She was the treasured only daughter among her four brothers: Ronald, Vincent, Lawrence, and
Stanley Ganaway.
Victoria was a lifelong learner, a woman who sought knowledge not for personal gain but for the empowerment
of others. She received a Certificate in Business Administration from Drake Business College, became a State
Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) through Wooster College, and earned numerous certifications in early
childhood development and childcare. Her passion for nurturing and educating others formed the foundation of
her life’s work.
Her adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit led her from West Virginia to Cleveland, then to New York and
Canada, eventually settling in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where she founded her own daycare business. There,
she lovingly helped raise a generation of children, sowing seeds of encouragement and care that bloomed for
years to come.
Victoria’s life was steeped in unwavering faith. She was a God-fearing virtuous woman wholly devoted to sharing
the love of Christ. She was raised Catholic and built a strong foundation in the church from an early age. Later in
life, she rededicated her life to Christ at Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, a spiritual milestone that
deepened her walk with God and shaped her bold and compassionate ministry.
While attending The Word Church, she served faithfully in the Senior Saints and Childcare Ministries. Later, as a
member of New Community Bible Fellowship under the leadership of Pastor Kevin E. James, her home became a
spiritual gathering place-hosting Bible studies and prayer meetings that welcomed all seeking hope, healing,
and connection. She made every attempt to live out Proverbs 11:25 (NIV): “A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
If you knew Victoria, you likely received a daily message of encouragement. She started her own text message
ministry, where she shared words of love, scripture, laughter and inspiration to uplift countless hearts. Each
message was a quiet sermon, a digital hug and love, a reminder that someone was praying for you.
Victoria’s devotion to her community was just as impactful. She served as a Senior Board Advisory Member for
the Village of Highland Hills under the leadership of Mayor Michael Booker, giving voice to seniors and helping
shape the quality of life in her beloved village.
She leaves to cherish her memory of her beloved children: Toya Gorley, Tiffany LeFlora, LaRese Purnell, and Cole
Whaley; and her adored grandchildren: Gabriella, Gaven, Adaliah, and Parker. She is also lovingly survived by
her brother Stanley, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Her reach
extended far beyond her immediate circle-through every child she taught, every elder she served, and every
soul she uplifted through word, prayer, or text.
Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that Victoria has transitioned from labor to reward. Her
faith has become sight, and her voice now joins the heavenly chorus. Her legacy endures-in the lives she
shaped, the faith she shared, and the love she gave so freely.