Jessie Penn Obituary

PEORIA - Mrs. Jessie Eva Penn, 92, of Peoria, Ill., passed away quietly on Christmas Day, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2010, at her daughter's home surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Penn was born on May 11, 1918, in Terry, Miss., to Steve and Oneida (Sojourner) Holly. She married Oscar B. Penn Sr. on Jan. 25, 1936, in Raymond, Miss. He preceded her in death on June 14, 2004.

Mrs. Penn is survived by her loving family, which includes her children, Oscar B. (Verlene) Penn Jr. of Florissant, Mo., and Margarite Sydnor and Carl L. Penn, both of Peoria; one stepdaughter, Lilluette Lewis of Cerritos, Calif.; one sister, Ruby Ransom of Jackson, Miss.; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several stepgrand- and great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and her Grace Baptist Church family.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; one sister; one great-grandchild; one son-in-law, Norman Sydnor; and one daughter-in-law, Bernice Penn.

She was a charter member, deaconess and mother of Grace Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in many other capacities as well over her 64-year membership. Mrs. Penn was a life member of the Peoria branch of the NAACP.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, at her beloved Grace Baptist Church, with a visitation one hour prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Jeffery Ivory Sr. will officiate. Mrs. Penn will be laid to rest in Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Dec. 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Jessie Penn

9 Entries

Dr. Beverly Johnson Thomas

January 2, 2011

To the family of Mother Jessie Penn, I remember her as a lady who walks tall and confident. She always encouraged me and said things to lift my spirits! I will surely miss her giant spirit and great love for others.

Thurston Hunt

January 2, 2011

Heaven is rejoicing at the arrival of it's newest resident.God said that "Weeping may endure for a night ,but joy comes in the morning."I will miss mother Penn greatly,and cherish her love and warmth.Bless you Penn family,and keep looking up.

Doris Kimbrough

January 2, 2011

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

Diane Grimes

January 1, 2011

My heart goes out to all of you ,Oscar ,Carl and Margerite and the entire Penn family. Your mother,grandmother etc will never be forgotten by me. She was one of the women in Grace Baptist Church that was a soft spoken God given roll model. She has left a great legacy. I Thank God for allowing me to meet such a great woman. You all have been greatly blessed for having her in your lives as well. Thanks for sharing your mom with us.
God bless you all

Wayne Bailey

January 1, 2011

My heart goes out to the family. She is with Uncle Oscar. Aunt Jesse will be missed, I am so blessed that I got a chance to see her in November. GOD bless her. Wayne Bailey Jr. (currently in Kabul, Afghanistan)

Vickie King

January 1, 2011

Carl & Family-Praying God will bless,comfort & keep you as you contend with your loss. You have my sincere sympathy. Your co-worker & sister in Christ,

David Usher

January 1, 2011

To the family look to God he will comfort and keep you in this time of sorrow. You are in ower prayers. David L Usher and family

Barton Family

December 31, 2010

Penn Family,
May GOD continue to bless and comfort you. May he keep you in his loving arms.

Dean Rivers

December 31, 2010

she gave life love..

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