Shirley Pennington

Shirley Pennington

LUMBERTON — Shirley Ann Cook Pennington, 80, died peacefully at Southeastern Regional Medical Center on Friday, Dec. 12, 2014.

She was born on Oct. 1, 1934, in Stokesdale.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert D. and Jewel Cook.

Shirley grew up in Greensboro where she attended Bessemer High School and excelled in basketball. She received her B.S. in Elementary Education at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where she graduated with honors.

Shirley began her early career days as a producer at WFMY in Greensboro on the shows, Old Rebel, Captain Kangaroo, and Bozo. Following the family's move to Pembroke and later to Lumberton, Shirley taught in the Lumberton City Schools system for over 30 years. She taught at West Lumberton Elementary, W.H. Knuckles Elementary, and Janie Hargrave Elementary. Teaching young children was Shirley's passion and her love for each and every child was obvious in the many stories she told over the years.

Mrs. Pennington also generously lent much of her time and talents to volunteer organizations including the First Baptist Church Bereavement Committee, the soup kitchen, and downtown thrift shop. Shirley found great joy in helping others and this also allowed her an avenue to share one of her favorite pastimes, cooking. She was passionate in her belief that no one should ever go hungry.

Mrs. Pennington is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Raymond B. Pennington; her daughter, Jeri (Dick) Hyland; a son, Scott (Sally) Pennington; three beautiful granddaughters, Kaycie Hyland, and Kelly and Marcie Springs; and special caregivers, Edna Shelby and Diedre King.

The visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. today at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory Inc., 809 E Fifth St. in Lumberton.

A memorial will be held at 3 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church of Lumberton, Dr. David Elks officiating. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Cemetery.

The family asks that memorials be made to the Lumberton Christian Care Center, 305 E. First St., Lumberton, N.C., 28358.

On-line condolences may be made by visiting: www.floydmortuary.net.