REV. NORRIS PULLEN SR.

BELL CITY -- The Rev. Norris T. Pullen Sr., 80, of Bell City died Thursday, June 4, 1998, at his home, following an extended illness.

He was born Sept. 21, 1917, in Schlater, Miss., son of Josephus C. and Floia Montgomery Pullen. He and Marie Bryant were married Aug. 22, 1941. She died July 19, 1988.

Pullen was a retired farmer, and had pastored Bell City Church of God in Christ and the Victory Temple Church of God in Christ at Kennett. He served as Sunday School superintendent for the Church of God in Christ jurisdiction, and was administrative assistant to Bishop Charlie Green Jr.

He was a board member of Crowder-Zeta Special Road District, and a special adviser with Selective Service System.

Survivors include six sons, Eugene, Bobby and the Rev. Elisha Pullen of Bell City, Freddie Pullen Sr. of Cape Girardeau, the Rev. David and John Pullen of Sikeston; two daughters, Martha Pullen-Bobo of Sikeston, and Naomi Ward of Dellwood.

Also surviving are three brothers, Robert and Everse Pullen of Chicago, Arne Pullen of Robbins, Ill.; three sisters, Virginia Segers of Oran, Georgia Orr of Chicago, Bertha Luster of Bell City; 27 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son and two brothers.

Friends may call at Victory Temple in Kennett from noon to 8 p.m. today. A memorial service will be held at 6.

Friends may also call at Christ Sanctuary Church of God in Christ at Bell City from 4-8 p.m. Friday.

Funeral will be at Christ Sanctuary Church at noon Saturday, with the Rev. David Pullen officiating. Burial will be in J.C. Pullen Memorial Garden Cemetery.

Williams-Farr and Purnell Funeral Home at Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.