Elizabeth McNary Penn, 83, formerly of Glovenia Street in Eden, but most recently of Twin Lakes Retirement Community in Burlington, passed away Sunday evening, November 14, 2010 at Alamance Regional Medical Center. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, 11 AM, November 17 at Twin Lakes Community Chapel. There will be a graveside memorial service held on Thursday, 2 PM, November 18 at Lawson Cemetery in Eden. Mrs. Penn was born December 26, 1926 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Charles T. and Elizabeth McMurray McNary. She was a member of Leaksville United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities; Education Director, Handbell Choir Director, and her greatest joy, teaching and sharing fellowship with the youth that participated in the Saturday Church School program. Mrs. Penn graduated from Duke University and taught in local schools early in her career with a focus on Special Education needs. She also played an integral part in the development of the Rockingham County Opportunity Center. As music was an important part of Mrs. Penn's life, she was recognized and received awards for her hymn writing skills. Surviving is her son, Bill Penn of Reidsville; grandson, Joshua Penn of Greensboro; and a great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Walters, also of Greensboro. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Penn; and two daughters, Ruth Penn and Patricia Penn. The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service, both at Twin Lakes Chapel and Lawson Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered to the Penn family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bill. Your mom was such a special lady!
Susan and Bill Pace
Bill, Your Mom was loved by many people and touched so many lives. I played in the handbell choir that she directed and have so many fond memories of our practices and performances. I still have a handbell suncatcher that she gave me many years ago! She definitely touched my life! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Phyllis Cheek Garrett
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Betty was a big part of my church life growing up and I know she will be missed by all.
Rebecca Warren
Dear Bill and family, I loved your mom and she has been such a role model and inspiration for so many through the years. She was very special and will be missed by all who knew her. She was my choir director at various times from age 4 to 40 and I have many happy memories of my time with her. May God grant you a special peace during this difficult time. Sincerely,
Beth Pulliam
Dear Bill and family, I was so sad to learn of Betty's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult times. I want you to know that growing up on Harris Street with you was just like moving my family 3 houses up the street. Your mom was my mom and I always had the utmost respect and appreciation for her patience, generosity, and gentle spirit. God Bless You and Keep You, ...an old and faithful friend, Neill Watson
David (Neill) Watson
Betty was one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of knowing. She was so patient with me when I wanted to play in the bell choir and arranged for the choir to play at my daughter's wedding in Duke Chapel. She will be greatly missed but always cherished. Jana and Tal Nowell
Jana Nowell
Bill, I am so sorry to hear about your mom - I have fond memories of her as we were all growing up - please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
Doris Rea Melvin
Betty was a true friend and I owe her so much. I was very dispondent back in 1983 following the death of my wife and subsequent health problems of my own. This may sound trivial to some, but she introduced me to the joy of being on a handbell choir/team and I continue to participate today. What a wonderful person, artist, and friend. Rest in peace, Betty!
Ed Guest
Betty was a very special person and an inspiration to all. She was a help to me in time of need. Bill, my prayers and cares are with you. Cleo Fulcher
Cleo Fulcher
I was Ruthie's Scout Leader and knew your Mom and Dad when they were helping to start the Opportunity Center and ARC locally. The encouragement from Betty was strong and consistent. You all have a wonderful heritage. Please accept my sympathy. "Peanut"
Mrs. Jerry Garrett
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