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Martha Penfield Obituary
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Martha Walker Penfield, 82, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2011. She was born in Milton, Florida on August 17, 1928 to Cason and Virginia Barrick Walker. Since birth, she was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Milton, where she held many offices and served on several committees. One of her greatest pleasures was planning trips for the YAHA Club and traveling with her church family. She then enrolled in Florida State College for Women, in Tallahassee, and graduated from Florida State University in 1950, with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Social Work. She was a member of the Beta Gamma Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha. She played on the "Even" basketball team and was a member of the "F" Club, which honored female student athletes.
After graduation, she worked for two years with Florida Welfare Department in Marianna, Florida. In 1952, she married Levant Mason Penfield and moved to Norwood, Pennsylvania, where she lived for ten years and started a family. In 1963, they returned to Milton with their three children. She returned to Berryhill Elementary School where she was a beloved teacher for 31 years. Dedicated to her chosen profession, she held numerous offices in educational associations.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, L. Mason Penfield, and her daughter-in-law, Martha E. Penfield.
She is survived by her three children; Caroline Penfield of Milton, Florida, John (Lynette) Penfield of Minnesota, and Tommy Penfield of Milton, three grandchildren; Jon Penfield of Orlando, Florida, Aaron (Megan) Penfield of Orlando, and Angel Walker Penfield of Milton. She is also survived by her dear friend and caretaker, Madelyn "Peanut" Gonzalez, along with a host of friends.
A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at First United Methodist Church of Milton. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Building Fund of the First United Methodist Church of Milton or to your favorite charity. Lewis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for Martha Penfield
Delores Turman
August 4, 2011
I have wonderful memories of Mrs. Penfield and Berryhill Elementary. She was such a great teacher and a wonderful person. I am saddened by her passing and will keep her family in my prayers.
Diane Nichols
August 2, 2011
I am so sorry that the girls and I did not know Mrs. Martha "Granny" had passed away. Please know that we loved that special woman so very much. We spoke of her often when together. She has always been and will always be a wonderful part of our lives. She was in our conversation just last week. Our conversations always ended with how much we miss her. Please know you all are in our prayers.
Lori Lyn Smith
August 2, 2011
Tommy & Caroline -
I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing, and that I missed the memorial service. The first house I ever purchased was at the corner of Conecuh & Madison Street. It was such a nice, quiet, and safe neighborhood to start a family. The Penfold's were neighbors with the Penfield's for over 13 years. Mrs. Martha was such a sweet, caring and loving person and she will be greatly missed.
lynn gill
July 30, 2011
We know our Mother was waiting on the other side to greet Martha in heaven. Martha was an inspiration to our whole family for many years because of her loyalty to her friends. Not only was she an accomplished woman she was always ready to cheer other women on to try to reach their potential. She was kind and generous of spirit and always a friend to our Mother. We wish you all the comfort of God's Holy Spirit at this sad time. Julia Garrett, Lynn Gill, Sherry Godfrey (Milton Fl)
Debbie Hicks Lawson
July 29, 2011
Mrs. Penfield was not only one of my favorite teachers but she was also one of my favorite people. I use to love seeing her next door when I was growing up when she would visit with the Park family. As I grew up I loved running into her around town. I will never forget how she came to the funeral home when my mother passed away. That has always meant so much to me and shows the kind of lady she was. She will be missed and always loved by anyone who knew her. You all were blessed with a great mother. God Bless.
July 28, 2011
Martha influenced the life of our family in many ways. She was beloved teacher at "old Berryhill School"where both of our children had their early education. She gave Heather extra help with her math and helped the other teachers w/reception for Cindy and Ted when they were married. Thanks for sharing her with us.
Rose Feazier
July 28, 2011
MS. Martha was such an inspiration to me and my family. Have only known her about 12 years, but always enjoyed being around her. Blessings to all the family. May she rest peacefully in the arms of our Savior. Rose, Arthur, and Timothy Frazier
Debbie and Ken Custer
July 28, 2011
Mrs. Penfield was a special woman to so many. Her love for Mike and Doug was right up there with her own grandchildren.
We are thinking of you with sincere sympathy and know that wonderful memories will bring comfort and peace.
Gayle Cowley
July 27, 2011
I am sorry that I cannot be there to celebrate Martha's life with her family in Milton. Even when I was a child, I knew Martha was the kind of teacher I wanted to be - smart, funny, and a major influence on her students. What a role model she was for so many of us. She made us all better than we were.
July 27, 2011
Mrs Penfield was such a joy as a teacher to my boys. She was always so cheerful. Always had her ball cap and ready to teach our children. We will always remember her as a wonderful person and full of joy and fun. The Vance Family (Joseph & Jason)
Barbara Peaden
July 27, 2011
Caroline and family,
My family has known you all for so many years. Martha was not only a good friend but a super teacher to three of my children, Maddison, Teresa, And Sandie Peaden. I cut her hair for a long time and I enjoyed the moments with her talking about whatever was on our minds. I will dearly miss her as I know you will as well. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Peaden
Linda Joyner
July 27, 2011
I knew you for a short time while working with you at Berryhill. I can say that it was a pleasure and joy; always friendly and knowledgeable in all aspects of education. You will be missed.
Jane Cormier
July 27, 2011
I was privilged to teach with Martha at Berryhill. She was an incredible educator and a "class act" all around. She always saw the positive and truly cared about making a difference in her students' lives. Our college football conversations were lots of fun. My condolences to the family.
July 27, 2011
Mrs. Penefield was my 3rd grade teacher a VERY long time ago! I will never forget her having a great sense of humor. What I also remember is that I had asked all the girls in my class to my birthday party. One of the girls couldn't afford a gift but Mrs. Penfield bought a gift for her to bring to my party. I don't even know how I found out that Mrs. Penfield had bought it but I remember that all these years. I am now a teacher and think about what I want my students to remember about me. Being the kind of teacher that Mrs. Penfield was to me is what I strive to be daily. What a wonderful person and inspiration to us all.
Love,
Sonja Sulcer Brabham
July 27, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Martha a few times. She was a Great Lady. Her son Tommy and I have worked together for several years. The Love she had for her children and others is very apparent in the daily manerisms of her Children. She will be missed. Rest easy with "God". Thanks for being a part of my memories
Chuck Bonvillian
July 26, 2011
WE WILL MISS YOU MARTHA,!!!!!!
WE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE !!
I HAVE LOTS OF FOND MEMORIES,MILTON HIGH SCHOOL AND BEFORE.
IF I NEEDED TO KNOW ANY THING ABOUT MILTON I CALLED YOU.
WE HAVE BEEN FRIENDS A LONG TIME .
BLESS ALL OF YOU
STEVE AND BETTY GILL
July 26, 2011
LIFE LONG FRIEND WHO LET ME PLAY IN HER BACK YARD LOG CABIN YEARS AGO. So LONG GOOD FRIEND
Nina Barry Kinsey
Kimberly (Council) Fretwell
July 26, 2011
Remembering my beloved teacher. She was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Colleen Greska
July 26, 2011
Martha was a wealth of knowledge and love. Even though my time spent with her was short, I will always treasure it. Peanut, watch out for the ghosts at Penfield Center! Martha, you're in God's loving arms now!
Phillip Ware-Ehlers
July 26, 2011
Mrs. Penfield was a great person and our world was such a better place because of her. She was a super teacher even though I never had the opportunity to have her teach me. She was a friendly neighbor of mine for years when I lived in the little apartment above B.S. & Dot Gilman's garage. Rest in Peace. My condolences to all of her family.
Joan Baxley
July 26, 2011
Remembering my precious friend of 47 years with love.
Joan Baxley
July 26, 2011
Martha was such a dear friend of mine and all my family members. We were members of 1st United Methodist from the time we moved there, around 1946, until I moved to Tallahassee in 2002. Martha was such a pillar of the church, as well as Mason being awonderful member of the choir. Mother, my sister Martha and myself sang in the choir, and we all loved and appreciated the Penfields. I am sadddened by her passing. When my sister and I visited Milton in May, 2010 we went by to visit Martha and Jean Amos called while we were there, and I got to speak to her as well. In fact I have some pictures we took of us with Martha while we were there. Pat Caro Smith was with us. What a fun visit. You are all in my thoughts an Prayers,but know Martha is no longer suffering. She is rejoicing with all the family and friends in Heaven, now. Love and Prayers, Sue King Lowery Daws
Lola Benton
July 26, 2011
Martha was such a good person and always looked up to her heavenly father. She will be the angel overlooking Milton. We loved the trips we went on and Martha was always the "boss" and we let her be because she was so good at it. Family, hang on to the good memories.
Lisa Harper
July 26, 2011
Mrs. Penfield was one of my favorite teachers. I used to hang out with her after school waiting for Momma (Hazel Bertrand) to leave for the day. I will miss her dearly as I know all of you will. My prayers are with you all. Lisa Bertrand Harper (Milton, FL)
Darlene Mosley
July 26, 2011
No one could make me smile and feel better like Martha. She will be dearly missed. Love to you all.
madelyn gonzalez
July 26, 2011
it has been a pleasure to walk the walk with you mother...you have fought a good fight and now the battle is over. i will ALWAYS love and miss you. you were my best friend and i will treasure our times together,,I Love You Scooter...
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