Ella Mae "Penny" Gorrell

Ella Gorrell Obituary

POQUOSON - On Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008, the Lord called home Ella Mae 'Penny' Gorrell, 76, to be united with her beloved late husband, Leland 'Jack' Gorrell.
She was a native of Newport News and resident of Poquoson since 1971. She was a charter member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and recently joined the Catholic faith through St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church.
'Miss Penny's' amazing strength and humor was her gift to all whose lives she touched, and she will be forever remembered.
Penny, a loving daughter, wife, and mother, was preceded in death by her father, David Mercer Griffin Sr.; mother, Mattie L. Ives; two brothers, Blair Rowe and David Griffin Jr.; and a great-granddaughter, Matelyn Carrin Carrico.
She is survived by her three loving daughters, Diane Smith and husband, Mike, Debbie Weaver and husband, Frankie, and Denise Fletcher and fiancE, Ervin Gudakunst; six grandchildren, Ryan Muhr, John Muhr, April Carrico and husband, Richie, Carrin Weaver, Brad White and wife, Ashley, and Courtney White; a great-grandson, Colton Carrico; two sisters, Betty Wilson and Margie Jamison; and a special niece, Annette Hodges.
The family will receive friends 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, and at other times at Debbie's home. A memorial service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 2 p.m. by Father Lawrence J. Mullaney. Inurnment will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Community Care, 1064 C-2 Loftis Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606.
Online condolences to www.claytorrollins.com.
We would like to express a sincere 'thank you' to our extended family at Dominion Village of Poquoson, and all who loved and cared for 'Miss Penny.' View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press on Aug. 29, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ella Gorrell

6 Entries

Vickie Stallard

September 2, 2008

I had the privilege and pleasure of visiting Penny at Dominion Village over the past year. What a faith-filled soul! I enjoyed our visits immensely and was thrilled when I could finally bring Eucharist to her. I will miss seeing her when I visit DV. My sympathy to your family on the passing of this lovely lady.

Flora Adams

September 1, 2008

Dear Frankie,
No matter her age or the circumstances of her death, it is hard to lose a mother.
We're truly sorry for your loss.
Flora & Stewart

PAM GREEN

August 30, 2008

My deepest sympathies.Penny was a very sweet lady,I am very glad i got to meet her :-)

PAM GREEN (nursing asst.@ dominion village)

August 30, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Brenda Morst

August 29, 2008

To the family,
It was such a pleasure to meet Miss Penny and the entire family during the time of Mr. Leland's death. May God continue to bless and keep you under His wings of protection.
Brenda Morst (Sentara Hospice Nurse)

Debra Carey-Williams

August 29, 2008

we at mary Immaculate wound clinic will miss her smiling face and those wonderful blue eyes, she will be miss and god rest her soul. A prayer for the family your love one has finish her job here so don't cry or weep for she is in her wondful home.

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