Lana Gale Penland

1958 - 2026

Lana Gale Penland, age 67 of Green Cove Springs, Florida (formerly of Rabun County) passed away on March 15, 2026. Lana was born August 30, 1958 in Pikeville, Kentucky to the late Flora Rowe Smallwood and late Calep Smallwood.
Lana was a loving wife, grandmother, and friend who brought warmth and kindness to everyone she met. She worked for many years as a baker and cake decorator at Walmart, where she took great pride in her work and enjoyed creating beautiful cakes. Lana had a heart full of love and always saw the good in everyone around her. She cherished her family deeply, especially her grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. Charles, her husband of 19 years, was the love of her life. The two shared a special bond filled with love and devotion.
Lana is preceded in death by her parents, Flora Rowe Smallwood and Calep Smallwood; husband, Charles Penalnd; son, Chad Little; and grandson, Wyatt Little.
Lana is survived by her children, Gaila Little (Brandon Partin) of Green Cove Springs, Fla. and Bo Little (Becky) of Tiger, Ga.; step-children, Retia Merino (Raul) of Clayton, Ga., Angie Swiencicki (Adam) of Rabun Gap, Ga., Claudia Penland (Christopher Grodde) of Greenville, S.C., and William Gantt (Jennifer) of Tiger, Ga.; 22 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and brother, Donnie Smallwood.
There will be a receiving of family and friends 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Beck Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, in the Beck Funeral Home Chapel with the interment following the service in Newman's Chapel Cemetery.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Lana Gale Penland. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
The Clayton Tribune
March 19, 2026