2025 NAUW Philadelphia Woman of the Year

Theresa Purnell

THERESA PURNELL is a proud native of Philadelphia, PA, and the daughter of Barbara Bono and the late Humphrey Thornton Jr. She shares a close bond with her two sisters, Gale Thornton and Claudette Bullock.

Theresa pursued higher education at Wilberforce University and Arcadia University, earning a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.A. in Education. As a retiree from the School District of Philadelphia, she dedicated over 35 years to education, serving in various roles such as Mathematics and Resource Teacher, Conference Facilitator, Program Coordinator, House Director, Dean, Summer Roster Chair, and Peer Mediation Instructor.

Theresa has been happily married to Anthony Purnell Sr. for 37 years. They are the proud parents of two HBCU graduates, Anthony Purnell Jr. and Tiara Purnell, and she is the surrogate grandmother to cousin Jonas Thornton.

Elder Purnell is an active member of Oak Lane Presbyterian Church, where she has served as a trustee, ruling elder, and Sunday school teacher. She has chaired several committees, including Christian Education, Finance, Membership & Fellowship, and Use of Church and Property, and she facilitates coffee hour after service each Sunday.

Since 2017, Theresa has been an active member of the National Association of University Women, Philadelphia Branch, where she serves as the Financial Secretary and a member of the Scholarship Committee. She loves to travel and enjoys attending sectional conferences and national conventions.

Additionally, Theresa is a member of the Executive Committee of the Wilberforce University Alumni Association, Philadelphia, New Jersey & Delaware Chapter, chairing the Health and Wellbeing Committee. She is also a member of the NCNW, Philadelphia Section.

Lastly, Theresa is in the Inbetweeners Club; too young to be old and too old to be young. They meet monthly for dinner and to nurture lifelong friendships.

Theresa Purnell, NAUW will be there to celebrate with you! Congratulations on being recognized as the Philadelphia Branch’s 2025 Woman of the Year!