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In Loving memory of Joyce Eleanor Pennington (JEP780)

September 11, 1927 - January 26, 2001

Beloved wife of Charlie Pennington (CWP157)

Our dear friend, Joyce, died in her sleep on Friday, January 26, 2001.  We all extend our sincere sympathy to Charlie and his family and all those who loved Joyce.  She was a sweet, caring woman and she will be missed by all who knew her.

Joyce was laid to rest on Friday, February 2, 2001, at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Riverside, California.  I would guess that there were over 200 people at the service, which was held at Magnolia Baptist Church in Riverside.

This is a marvelous tribute to Joyce, sent to me by Steve, Joyce and Charlie's son.

Her full name is Joyce Eleanor Pennington. She was born September 11, 1927 in Greenville, West Virginia. Her parents were Mamie and Kermit "Kooge" Morgan. She graduated from Man High School in Man, West Virginia.

Mom married Dad in 1949. Their daughter Susan was born in 1950. They lived in Logan, WV, and later moved to North Eaton, Ohio. Mom worked as a switchboard operator for the phone company in both Logan and North Eaton.

Mom and Dad were foster parents for many years. They had 30 kids at least. Mom had lots of love to share and this was a way for her to do that. In 1968, they adopted me when I was 6 weeks old. At that time they also were raising my cousin Sandra who was about 9 years old.

In 1970, Dad's company transferred him to California and we moved. Mom and Dad still had foster kids while I was growing up and Mom was always doing things with us: church, school, and little league baseball. When I got into Scouts, she helped as an assistant den mother. She hauled my brother and me to numerous baseball practices and games.

Mom LOVED to read and took us to the library every week, whether we wanted to go or not! I became an avid reader because of her. I really liked to give Mom books as gifts so she would have her own library.

At church, Mom was involved in different things. She helped my sister and her husband, Ed, with the bus ministry in the 70's. She was a deacon's wife. When I got into the children's choirs, she helped with the musicals we did. She helped sponsor youth mission trips as I got into high school. Mom and Dad even followed the tour bus my junior year in high school when the school choir travelled to Northern California.

Mom served on the Counting Committee at church, helping to count the offerings. She served in this group for at least a decade. She served as a county election official in Ohio and California for 40 years.

Mom loved her grandkids. Brian and Betsy, Susan's children, are now in their 20's. We lost Susan to cancer in November 1987. Since then, Mom has been a friend, a counsellor, a banker and a cook for these kids.

She was a lady in every sense of the word. She taught me right from wrong, respect and most of all, love. She never finished a phone conversation without telling me "I love you."

This is a very touching poem that was included in the memorial booklet at the service:

I'M FREE

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God has laid, you see.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh, yes, these things I, too, will miss.

Be not burdemed with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.


Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee.
God wanted me now, He set me free!

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