Penelope "Penny" Lanning

Our beautiful mother, Penelope “Penny” Rae Lanning, joined the love of her life, Jerry, in heaven on November 10, 2024. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend and will be missed beyond measure.

Penny was born on September 18, 1941, in Fairbury, Nebraska to her late parents, Kenneth and Marjorie Bliss. She met Jerry on a blind date and married him in 1961 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and they shared 54 years together.

Penny loved being a military wife, traveling the world with her husband and three children. She was able to settle and raise her family in North Little Rock after Jerry retired from the United States Air Force. Penny was a travel agent with Worldwide Travel until she retired and moved to Florida. When her first grandchild was born, she and Jerry returned to Arkansas. Three more grandchildren were added to the family. She was fondly referred to as Maw Maw, a title she adored.

Penny was a member of Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Wesleyan Sunday School class and the Night Owls Women in Faith Circle. She volunteered in the church’s food pantry, Brother Paul’s Kitchen, assisted with communion and Sylvan Hills Elementary School Partnership.

Penny is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Jerry Allen Lanning. She is survived by her children, Russell “Russ” Lanning (Steffany), Jane Lanning (Wanda), and Amy Sinks (Michael). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brittney Lanning Jones (Reagan), Cade Sinks, Declan Lanning and Daniel Lanning, siblings, Roger Bliss and Barbara Anderson, brother-in-law, Russell “Mike” Lanning (Linda) and sister-in-law, Ann Lanning.

The family would like to thank all who prayed and provided support during her short battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church located at 9921 Highway 107, Sherwood, AR. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Smith Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR.