Jewel Lousie Pursley
With family by her side, Jewel Lousie Pursley gently passed from this world into the arms of her Savior on March 6, 2024, in Lancaster, California, 2 weeks shy of her 98th birthday. She will be forever remembered by all who knew her as a gracious, kind, strong and loving woman who lived a life of compassion and service towards others. She had a tremendous love for animals and fond memories of a life with many pets, especially horses.
Jewel was a lifetime resident of Lancaster. The youngest of 3 children born at home to Eastside Ranchers, Ray and Julia Hamilton. Jewel knew the Antelope Valley when it was a rural and close community, she remembered riding her horse to the bus stop when she went to school. She attended Antelope Valley High School and Biola University until she met the love of her live on a blind date, Dale Pursley. They were the first couple to be married at Roosevelt Community Church on June 30, 1946. She and Dale were members of the Elks RV Club and enjoyed many trips with their friends. She was a fierce washer toss competitor.
Jewel was generous with her time, serving others, volunteering and getting involved in the community. She was a member of the Lancaster Women's Club, Red Hats and the Emblem Club serving at the AV Fair Taco Booth. She was also a 45-year volunteer at the Lancaster Community Hospital gift shop. Jewel loved a good joke, always laughing before the punchline, and card games. In 2000, she and her girlfriends started a card club that met weekly up until 2 weeks before her passing. She was tough to beat!
She was a wonderful sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and great "Grammie," always dedicated to her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, daughter, brothers, and beloved daughter-in-law Merriann. She is survived by her sons, Dennis and Bill, 7 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.
Jewel was a strong woman of faith and attended Lancaster Baptist Church. Heaven's gain is our loss. Services will be held at Lancaster Baptist Church on Friday, March 22, 2024 with a public viewing and video remembrance at 10:00 a.m., and the service at 10:30 a.m. The graveside service will be at Joshua Memorial Park at 12:30 p.m. and lunch will be served afterwards at Pursley Ranch in Palmdale. In lieu of flowers donation to any animal charity.