Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Aaron Christopher Purcell, 29, of Grand Rapids, MI, went home to be with this Heavenly Father on January 10,
2025.
Aaron was born on May 25, 1995 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Vanessa Purcell and Richard Edwards. As a child,
Aaron attended C.A. Frost Environmental Science Academy for elementary school and later attended and
graduated from Union High School, where he excelled as a student athlete, participating in wrestling, JROTC,
chess and more.
As a teenager, Aaron developed a love for art and drawing. If you took a peek through his sketchbook, which he
kept near him at all times, you would find many of his favorite things brought to life on the pages. In addition to his
artwork, Aaron loved to cook. He worked as a main cook at Roasted Bar and Grill and was committed to providing
natural foods grown from his graden for his family.
In 2021, Aaron married the love of his life, Brianah Keiyoni. He embraced becoming a bonus parent to Aiden and
soon welcomed another son, Onyx, with his loving wife. Aaron was not only a great father to both of his children,
he was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, and man of God.
Aaron was preceded in death by his father, Richard Edwards; grandparents, Herman and Gladys Purcell; and
uncle, Darrell Calloway. He is survived by his loving wife, Brianah Keiyonni Purcel; sons, Aiden J. Hernandez and
Onyx L. Purcell; mother, Vanessa Purcell; and in-laws Myron and Jeanette Bryant, and Brian (Shika) LaGrone.
Aaron also leaves to cherish his memory, his siblings David, Lauren, Timothy, Joseph, Andrea, Alaysiona, and
Jayvon Purcell; nieces and nephews, Amari Purcell, Autumn Woods, Nova Purcell, Ayanna Rigney, Kyliann
LaGrone, Kaliyah LaGrone, Deundray Woods, Traydin Gaines, Kingston Woods, Lamontraye Gaines, Jr., Amiri
Gaines, Kaleb Purcell; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Aaron exuded hope, joy, and a zest for life that was contagious. He poured his heart into every relationship,
leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he held dear. His warm spirit and genuine care for others created a
legacy of compassion and connection that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Whether through his gentle
words, his thoughtful actions, or his infectious laughter, Aaron leaves behind a world made brighter by his
presence and a profound reminder of the beauty of a life lived with love and purpose.
The Purcell family extends their sincerest gratitude for all of the prayers and support during this difficult time.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Aaron Christopher (AKA Bubba) Purcell, please visit our floral store.