‘Purses with purpose’ given in memory of Angela English

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 August 2024 at 9:10 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A ministry continues that was started by the late Angela English, who filled purses with personal care kits and offered to pray with people.

Eddie and Rose English, Angela’s parents, on Saturday were joined by friends in making 87 purses available for free. They were at the courthouse lawn for about six hours, giving away the purses and praying with people.

Eddie and Rose are leaders of The Lord’s House, a church in Waterport.

Angela was 37 when she passed away on Oct. 19, 2020. She was diagnosed with cancer on Dec. 27, 2019. Angela started the “Purses with a Purpose” ministry in 2018. She would give purses with toiletries to women in the Albion community.

There were 87 purses available on Saturday. They were filled with soaps, lotions, conditioners, a mirror and earrings. The purses also included messages from Angela’s children, Omar and Olivia Peterson, and information on the HPV vaccine that can help prevent cervical cancer.

Yolanda Rice, center in back, and Evelyn Brady pray with a group of young people.

Rose English said many in the community helped to acquire the purses and fill them, especially the women’s ministry group at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God in Medina.