Thelma Deane "Tellie" Penick

Thelma Deane Penick

Black Mountain - Thelma ("Tellie") Deane Penick, 88, passed away on October 28, 2015 in Black Mountain, NC.

Tellie was a kind, generous, compassionate woman; a trusted confidant with a playful spirit, keen intellect, and strong sense of social justice and responsibility. She was an avid reader, a political "scholar," and lover of all children - devoted to her own.

Tellie was born on March 23, 1927 in Buckingham, VA, to Myrtle Emmet Deane and Lillian Johnson Deane. At age 18 she left home to study nursing in Richmond, VA. After becoming an R.N., Tellie married Richard Quentin Penick in 1948. She pursued additional studies at the College of William and Mary in Norfolk, VA until the birth of their first child. In 1956 Tellie and Dick moved with their three children to Jensen Beach, Florida, ran a medical practice there for the next 29 years, and became an integral part of this small coastal community they loved. Upon retirement they built a summer home in the mountains outside of Asheville which they enjoyed for over 20 years.

Tellie was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, her parents, and 8 siblings. She is survived by her children Terry Penick of Weaverville, Jacque Penick (Harold Holcombe) of Asheville, and Kayleen Cavanaugh of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; her grandchildren Chris Holcombe (Jenna), Olivia Holcombe-Volke (Candace), Anna Holcombe, and Kathryn Cavanaugh; and great granddaughter Ashtyn Holcombe.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to the staffs of Arbor Terrace, Givens Highland Farms, and CarePartners for the human kindness and care they shared with Tellie and the family during her last years.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on April 9th in Jensen Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UNICEF or Verner Center for Early Learning, 2586 Riceville Rd, Asheville, NC 28805.