Bernice Penn Obituary
PEORIA - Bernice Penn, 64, of Peoria passed away at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.
Mrs. Penn was born Nov. 17, 1944, in Cruger, Miss., to Booker T. and Cornelius (Randle) Ross Sr. She married Carl L. Penn on April 2, 1966, in Peoria.
Mrs. Penn leaves to cherish and honor her memories her husband of 42 years, Carl Penn; two daughters, Sherrill (Ronald Jr.) Cole of Columbia, Md., and Monique (Eric) McCloud of Houston, Texas; two grandchildren, Ronald "Trey" Cole and Destiny Penn; three brothers, Booker T. (Leola) Ross and Eugene Ross, both of Peoria, and Morris (Lula Mae) Ross of Chicago; four sisters, Legertha Jackson, Willie Mae (Ted) Williams, Lenora "Clara" (Keith) Haynes and Jeanette Ross Jackson, all of Peoria; and two special nieces, Sandy Tanner and Sharon Ross.
She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
Her parents, a granddaughter, two brothers and one sister preceded her in death.
Mrs. Penn was employed by Sears and Roebuck for 36 years, before retiring.
She also worked for District 150 for a short time.
Mrs. Penn had a beaming personality that touched so many lives.
She was a member of Grace Baptist Church for more than 42 years, where she was very active until her illness. Her ministries included Usher Board, Sunday School Teaching, VBS director, finance secretary, president of Missionary Society and choir.
She was a former member of New Morning Star M.B. Church, where funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Her pastor, Jeffrey Ivory, will officiate. Mrs. Penn will be laid to rest in Lutheran Cemetery.
Simons Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Delta Club
February 22, 2009
To the Family:
We the Delta Club (Former Mississippi Club) of Peoria, ILL. consist of Crugar, Greenwood, Tchula, and Lexington, Ms.
May the love of God confort you all in your time of grief. Ours prayer are with you all.
Madea at my wedding
February 17, 2009
Family Reunion 2007
February 17, 2009
Madea 2008
February 17, 2009
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Vera Donahue
February 11, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gladys (Rutherford) Tracey
February 8, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Araminta Young
February 6, 2009
To The Penn Family:I was so sorry to learn of the loss of our dear Bearnice, a life well lived, we will cherish her memory forever, always ready to offer a helping hand whatever the need. And most of all the love for Christ, and people spoke for itself!!!! Although she is gone from us, there will always be space in out hearts for her.As the word says 2Timothy 4:6-8The blessings of the LORD, be upon all of you.With love and prayers:
Rita Vinson Burns & Family
February 6, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Sherrill and Monique, it still has not set in that she is no longer with us...I pray for your strength and may your fondest memories be forever in your heart. Keep the Faith! Much Love!!!
Stephanie Stapleton
February 5, 2009
To Mr. Penn, Sherrill & Monique,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I appreciate your mom's spirit of hospitality and warmth that she showed whenever I stopped by. Please know that God is there and that he will never leave you. You are in my prayers.
ruby collins
February 3, 2009
To Carl and Family,
No one can truly feel the sorrow that you bear. May it help somehow to know how much we care. Our condolences to you and your family. May God give you strength to go on remembering what a blessing it was to have been graced with her beautiful life.
GLORIA (BAILEY) LEACH
February 3, 2009
TO THE PENN FAMILY:
BERNICE USE TO WORK FOR ME AT SEARS FAB SHOP, E. PEORIA. IT SADDENS ME TO KNOW THAT SHE IS GONE, BUT GOD ONLY PICKS THE BEST PEOPLE. YOU HAVE MY SINCERE SYMPATHY. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALOT OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
araminta humes
February 3, 2009
to the family of mrs.penn sorry for your loss my prayers go out to you and you family it was very shocking and unreal that she is no longer with us but is in a better place we were neighbors until i grew up and moved out my parents home and i will always rember how you use to tell me to stay out yo grass! to mr.penn be strong and god is with you.
Ella L. Williams
February 3, 2009
I will always remember Mrs. Penn as a virtuous and steadfast woman. Her gentle ways and contagious smile. Her kindness was forever present, never leaving you disappointed. Many blessings to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Rev. Dr. Joe & Linda Powell
February 2, 2009
Our condolences to the entire family. We prayed for you. We asked God to comfort you as only He can. Let no one tell you how to grieve or how long you should grieve.
Brian Jones
January 31, 2009
My thoughts are with you and your
family. I am sorry for your loss.
Angela Patterson
January 31, 2009
Sherill, I want to say how sorry I am for your loss. There are never the right words of comfort but I know this, God will help you through this time. Mrs. Penn will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her no matter where they crossed her path in life. God bless and keep you and your family. You are in my heart and my prayers.
Florence Jackson Woods
January 31, 2009
May God comfort your family through this tough time in your lives.
Gloria Carter
January 30, 2009
To the family of Bernice
So sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.
Gloria
Anna Moredock
January 30, 2009
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Terri Cradle
January 30, 2009
Sherrill,
Please know that we love you, and will continue to pray for you and your family.
Rob and Terri
Sonya, Marty & Earl Wade-Eggleston
January 30, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Linda Gaines~
January 30, 2009
Monique; May God's peace comfort you and your family during this time.
Wayne J. Bailey Jr.
January 30, 2009
Carl and Family, I am very sorry about hearing about Cousin Bernice. I am deeply saddened. My God bless you and I will keep you in my prayers. All my love always, your cousin Junebug (currently serving with the U.S. Army in Baghdad,Iraq)
Angela Stowes
January 30, 2009
Sherrill and Family,
Our hearts go out to you. Although we cannot be there with you in person, we are there with you in special thoughts and prayers. May God's love see you through this difficult time.
Love, Terry and Angie Stowes
theresa tolliver
January 30, 2009
my prayers are with the familly I WILL miss here pretty smile when she would walk into the beauty shop,and her lovely conversations we had.
Aliesha (Hightower)Hosea
January 29, 2009
Monique, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jill Bloomer
January 29, 2009
I was saddened to read of Mrs. Penn's death. My family & I lived across the street from the Penn's from 1981-1989. They were very nice neighbors. The day we were moving from Peoria Mrs. Penn gave me one of her Sedum plants as a good bye. I still have that original plant along with several off-spring from it. She was a lovely lady with a ready smile. May she rest in peace.
Jill ( Schmitz ) Bloomer, Manito, IL
MICHELLE COTTON
January 29, 2009
TO SHERRELL, MONIQUE, AND CARL PENN
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BERNICE BEING SICK AND OF HER DEATH. SHE LIVED A GOOD LIFE AND WAS A BLESSING TO EVERYONE SHE KNEW. SHE WAS A PERSON OF DIGNITY AND CHARACTER AND TREATED EVERYONE WITH TENDER CARE. SHE WILL BE MISSED AND WAS TRULY LOVED; OF COURSE BY YOU ALL FIRST AND OTHERS SECOND. I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
SIS MICHELLE JONES-COTTON/SIS DORIS JONES
Yolanda Rush
January 29, 2009
Mrs. Penn served as the Lunch Lady for the Star Program in District 150, My Daughter Destiny (4yrs. old) spoke so highly of Mrs. Penn. She would talk about her often, she would say, "Mrs. Penn calls me her Sweet Pea". We will miss Mrs. Penn.
crystal wade
January 29, 2009
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.and may god blessed you and your family.she was like a anutie to me.
Katrina Muckelroy-Denmond
January 29, 2009
To Monique, Sherrill and Family,
My thoughts and Prayers are with you in this time of bereavement. God Bless you and Keep you all.
Love
Ursula Burns
January 29, 2009
Monique
I personally didn't know your mother, but as the saying goes, the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.
Your mother life has spoken for her; and is still speaking through her children.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
With Lots of Love from Texas!
Arlo Vickers
January 29, 2009
to the Penn family
I have never met any of you, but I worked with Bernice at Sears. She was the sunshine of my day. It saddened me so much to see that she is no longer with us. Her sprit will always be .
Please except my most sincere condolences to all of you.
Michael Young
January 29, 2009
To Monique McCloud, Sherrill Cole and the Penn Family
A message of sympathy and love:
As you honor your Mother. May the blessings of memories lighten your heart when you think of your Mother's sweet face. May the blessing of comfort from many who care ease your mourning with moments of grace. May the blessing of hope that a better world waits bring a smile for each tear that you cry. May the blessing of peace gently carry you through now, as you tell her good-bye.
My continued prayers are with you and your family.
Chautauqua Joyner
January 29, 2009
Sherrill & Monique -
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God will keep you in perfect peace if you keep your mind stayed on Him. I know this is a difficut time for you both but God will see you through. I am praying for your family.
May (Kitty) Washington (Jackson)
January 29, 2009
To the Penn Family,
The Angels are singing, for one more is added to the heavenly host. Heaven is rejoicing for one beautiful Angel has come home. Bernice was one of the Grace Members that stayed in my heart from afar. She always had a smile and kind word for all. I know you will miss her, but God knows best and his work is still and always being done. I will keep you in my prayers, and know that God will heal the pain and wipe all your tears away. May God Bless you and Keep you in His Care.
I Love You All. Kitty Jackson
Min. Terry Holland
January 29, 2009
Sis. Sherrill Cole & Family-I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. May God bless you with healing mercies for your loss, grief and sorry. And may you receive compassion, comfort and peace during this tender time. May the Comforter surround you with His matchless love. In Jesus' Name.
Anthony & Ava Petty-Williams & Family
January 29, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Carolyn(Risby), Darryl & Lil D Williams
January 29, 2009
Sherrill & Monique I am so sorry to hear of your loss, you're mother was a great lady that I have fond memories of growing up at Grace Baptist Church. These words are filled with thoughts and understanding, and more than anything else, with hope that each day ahead will bring a measure of comfort.
Rev. John H. Lee Sr.
January 29, 2009
Remember
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
By Christina Rossetti
The Poetry Foundation
Rev. John H. Lee Sr.
January 29, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Vickie King
January 29, 2009
To Carl & Family - There are no words that could possibly ease your pain at this moment. So, just know that you have friends who are praying for you to get through these days to come. May God bless, comfort & keep you.
pam dewalt
January 29, 2009
my thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
she was such a kind and caring lady.
she will be missed!
pam dewalt and family
Scotty Sargent
January 29, 2009
You have gone Home to the Lord with your host of parents, siblings, relatives. We will miss you! Love you!
Scotty Sargent & Family (Son of Rutha Mae Randle)
Lessie Harvey
January 29, 2009
Sherrill, after reading your mom's obiturary, I understand why you have a great personality. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to pray for you, your sister, and especially your dad. Your mom's a jewel and will be greatly missed.
Doris Kimbrough
January 29, 2009
God saw the road was getting rough:the hills were hard to climb, He gently closed those loving eyes and whispered, "Peace be thing", Those weary hours, those days of pain, those sleepless nights have passed. The ever patient worn out frame has found sweet "Peace at last". I am praying for you in your time of sorrow.
Alshawn Edwards-Perkins
January 29, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Katy Mc Cann
January 29, 2009
Bernice was one of our patient here at the out patient lab at OSF. We are so sorry to hear about her passing. We will miss her very much she always had a smile on her face.
God Love Her. Our prayer our with your family.
Melissa Sydnor
January 29, 2009
Aunt Bern,
You will truly be missed. You were a one of a kind special lady. You will always be in my heart.
Your neice,
Charlene Lyons
January 29, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 52 of 52 results
Make a Donation
in Bernice Penn's name
How to support Bernice's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Bernice Penn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
