Marlene Pursell Pfeifer passed away peacefully Feb 20th at Mitchell's Nursing Home, under the care of Arkansas Hospice. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Charlie and Tosie Lane Purcell, and by her in-laws Hank Pfeifer and Helen Pfeifer Hampton.

Marlene graduated from Van Buren High School in 1970 and Arkansas Tech University in 1974, where she was a letterman on the Golden Suns Volleyball team. She met Steve Pfeifer in 1970 and they married in 1972 and she became an Ola coach's wife, while working for Dardanelle School as a coach and PE teacher. Then she became the Recreational Director at Danville for 4 years. Her State Farm career began in 1981 when she was encouraged to open a State Farm office in Yell County, becoming the first female agent in the state. In 1978 Marlene and Steve became proud parents to Whitney Elizabeth, who has been a great joy to them. Marlene was to retire in July from a very successful 36 year career with State Farm.

Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Steve Pfeifer; her daughter and son-in-law Whitney and Randy Adkins and her god children Zach, Collins, and Jovin Papasan. She is also survived by her sisters Barbara and (John) Sefner of Van Buren, Sharon Day of Greenwood, brother Jimmy Purcell of Van Buren, and brother and sister-in- law Mickey and Jan Pfeifer of Naperville, Illinois. Also she leaves behind 4 grandchildren, Hatley McIllwain, Whitley, Zoey and Rhett Adkins and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marlene was very active in the work of her beloved First United Methodist Church of Danville. She was UMW president for a number of years, choir member, hand bell choir member and devoted to driving the church van for Kings Kids and every opportunity available.

Marlene was on the ATU Foundation board for a number of years; she was also a member of the Danville Chamber of Commerce. She was a huge supporter of the City of Danville and all area schools. She loved all sports, especially the St Louis Cardinals. She got her greatest joy from her family, faith and love of sports.

A Noon Visitation with the family will preceded the 1:00pm funeral on Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Danville.

Pallbearers will be Johnny Chambers, Bob Pledger, Bill Donnell, Gregg Grant, Brad Taylor, Perry Mikles, Greg Connell and Phil Moudy.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Kenny Jackson, Forrest Moudy, Jack Wilson Jr., Twanna Pledger, Linda Bland, James Patterson, D.J. Crane and Richard Harmon.

In lieu of flowers please make donation to the:

Danville First United Methodist Church

PO Box 729, Danville AR. 72833

Danville AR. 72833

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville