Mary Margaret Alverson

Mary Margaret Penn Alverson, age 92, passed away peacefully at the loving home of her granddaughter, Kelly Goodfellow, on August 8, 2025.

She was born on November 17, 1932, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to John and Mary (Strawhun) Miller. On July 19, 1951, she married Roland Penn in Madison County, Arkansas. Together they raised five children, and Mary devoted herself fully to creating a home filled with love, prayer, and purpose. A faithful Bible reader and daily prayer warrior, she brought both strength and tenderness to her role as a mother.

Mary was a gifted homemaker with a creative and practical spirit. She sewed beautiful dresses and skirts for her daughters and was an exceptional cook, known for her ability to stretch a meal to feed a large family. She also had a beautiful singing voice. Alongside her husband Roland and their children, she was part of "The Penn Family," a gospel-singing group that visited local churches. After the children grew up, and Roland passed away, Mary continued to bless others with her voice, often singing solos at church. She had a special fondness for old hymns, particularly "Consider the Lilies" and "I'd Rather Have Jesus," which she sang often. Though she only knew one song on the piano (Chopsticks), she played it with great flair, and her children remember it fondly.

Mary remarried on her 55th birthday, November 17, 1987, when she wed Lewis R. Alverson in Jasper County, Missouri. In her later years, she found pleasure in crossword puzzles and delighted in life's simple joys-especially ice cream and chocolate.

Family was the heart of Mary's world. She cherished time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her "GG." She is survived by her five children: Steve (Teresa) Penn of Washington, Indiana; Catherine Bayron of Neosho, Missouri; Harold (Geri Rearrick) Penn of Joplin, Missouri; Cary (Brad Taylor) Penn of Neosho, Missouri; and Margaret Hartman of Neosho, Missouri. Mary also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and her beloved sisters, Carol (Chuck) Orman of Corvallis, Oregon, and Linda (Bill) Baldwin of Tulsa, Oklahoma, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Roland Penn; her second husband, Lewis R. Alverson; one sister; and her grandson, Alex Bayron.

Mary's life was a legacy of faith, love, music, and grace. Her devotion to her family, her quiet strength, and her joyful spirit will be remembered always. She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

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