Penelope Jernigan "Penny Wicker" Wicker

AHOSKIE, NC - Penelope Arden Jernigan Jordan Wicker, affectionately known as Penny Wicker, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the age of 73, at ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie, Hertford County, North Carolina. Born in Bertie County, North Carolina, on January 9, 1952, Penny graced this world with her vibrant spirit and deeply touched the lives of those privileged to know her.
Penny was a woman of keen intelligence and independence, traits she honed over many years while working as a Sales Manager at NUCOR before retiring. She held fast to her beliefs but also respected the views of others, a testament to her compassionate nature. Penny was not only trusted and cherished by co-workers and clients alike but also saw great joy in sharing her life with family and friends.
She was a participant in the Miss Ahoskie Pageant in 1970, an avid gardener, and loved beach vacations with her close circle of friends. Penny took immense pleasure in entertaining, nurturing cherished gatherings with friends. Her heart's greatest treasures, however, were her beloved family members. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, relishing every moment with her grandchildren and delighting especially in the joys of being a great-grandmother to Walker.
Penny leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion carried forward by her son, Paul Jordan of Ahoskie, her granddaughter, Brook Riddick and her husband, Chase of Ahoskie, granddaughter in love, Brianna Brown and her husband Dalton of Raleigh; treasured great grandson, Walker Riddick; her twin brother, Perry Jernigan and his wife, Carol of Elkin, NC, and her brother, Scott Jernigan (Kim) of Windsor. Also surviving are her dear niece and nephews: George Perry Jernigan III and his wife, Christy, of Brevard, NC, Carson Jernigan of Bermuda Run, NC, Julie Galloway and her husband, Lee, of Keswick, VA, and Josh Holliday of Jamesville, NC, along with numerous special friends and neighbors who will continue to remember her fondly.
Penny was preceded in death by her loving parents, Wilson and Yvonne Jernigan.
A visitation will be held at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie, NC, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and other times at the home. A graveside celebration of her life will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Edgewood Cemetery in Windsor, NC, officiated by Rev. Ray Faircloth, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorials honoring Penny's generous spirit may be made directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here.
Online condolences may be made at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC, (252) 332-3122. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Penelope "Penny Wicker", please visit our floral store.