Martha Evelyn Peninger Brandon

MARTHA EVELYN PENINGER BRANDON
COX FUNERAL HOME
BASTROP, LOUISIANA
Martha Evelyn Peninger Brandon, affectionately known as Penny, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026 with loved ones and her faithful dog Charli by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Taylor and Evelyn McBride Peninger, and her beloved husband, Merwin McGehee Brandon Jr. She is survived by her two sons, two daughters, 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
Martha was born on November 26, 1935 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Her father was a career employee of International Paper Company, requiring her family to relocate several times. Martha spent her early years in Bastrop and Mobile, AL and graduated from Natchez (MS) High School. She attended Mississippi State College for Women for two years, then moved to New York to be near her parents, graduating from the University of Connecticut in May 1957. Upon graduation, she began work in genetic research and married Merwin in August 1957. The next year they moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana so Merwin could attend LSU law school. Upon his graduation, they relocated to Bastrop where they settled and raised their family.
Admired for her kindness, hospitality, and strength of character, she was a cherished member of the Bastrop community. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, co-founder of The Red Shoes School of Dance, an Election Day Commissioner-in-Charge, and an active volunteer with the Morehouse Humane Society, the Rose Theatre, the Strauss "Little" Theatre, the Twin City Ballet Company, and the Morehouse General Hospital. She was an educator at heart and taught numerous disciplines over the years, serving as a Cub Scout den mother, high school science teacher, dance mistress and Sunday school teacher. She also believed in the value of exercise and led exercise classes until age 90.
An accomplished pilot and adventurous soul, she traveled all over the U.S. with her husband and family. A collector of antiques, nutcrackers, and insulators, she could find beauty in hidden places. She was often found working with her hands, whether knitting, weaving, or gardening. As a very patriotic woman, she loved celebrating the Fourth of July, especially when surrounded by her loved ones. Her family is better because of her unwavering love, encouragement, and support; although they will miss her dearly, they will keep her spirit alive.
Special thanks to the caregivers of Haven Home Health, Premier Hospice and Dr. Allen Spires and staff for their kind and compassionate care. And deepest gratitude to John and Frances Spires for their love, affection and support for Penny over the years, enabling her to live fully and actively in her home.
Survivors include her children – Merwin Brandon III (Kathleen), Martha Brandon (David Stanley), Frances Spires (John Spires), and John Brandon (Joanna); her grandchildren – Lindsay Koup (Evgeniy), Eleanor Brandon, Elizabeth Brandon, Merwin Brandon IV, Morgan Hilyer (Brandon), Sarah Miller (Josh), William Spires (Grace), Arcole Brandon (Eliza), Eva Genetski (Thomas), and Ravenna Brandon; and her great-grandchildren – Aubrey and Taylor Hilyer, Dashiell and June Koup, Caroline Spires, Doug, Charlie, and Will Miller, and Aubrey and Crawford Genetski.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Morehouse Humane Society (PO Box 87, Bastrop, LA 71220) or the First Presbyterian Church (310 South Washington Street, Bastrop, Louisiana 71220).
A memorial reception celebrating Martha's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 310 South Washington St., Bastrop LA, on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, with a family service and interment to be held at a later date.