Nancy Penrose

Nancy Penrose (Little) went home to Jesus on Saturday, May 27, 2023, in Golden Good Shepherd Nursing Home at the age of 91. She was a strong woman. She helped run her husband's business when he died in 1979. She overcame several serious illnesses, coming back from the brink of death many times. She was greatly blessed by God.

Nancy was born in Chicago, IL to Chester A. and Lewis Lee (Garnett) Little on August 7, 1931, during The Great Depression. Then, during The War Years, her family moved to Peotone, IL, where she met her lifelong friend, Carol Bisping.

The Littles also had a younger daughter, Sarah Dockery (Little). Despite the difference in age, the two were quite close and loved each other deeply.

Nancy's family moved to Quincy, IL, in 1945, just after Quincy had had a tornado.

Three years later, in 1948, while Nancy was working at Bird Drug Store soda fountain, Robert R. Penrose came in and was bandaged on his face. He had taken some Boy Scouts to a camp and the couch had caught fire. Bob put out the fire by throwing his coat on it, which made the fire flare up on both sides of the coat. The flare caught Bob by surprise. His face was burned and his hair was singed. So, when he walked in Bird's Drug Store, he caught Nancy's attention. A conversation ensued and in June 1950, she married Bob in Quincy.

They had their first child in the summer of 1953, Patrick Penrose. Then in 1957, they had their daughter, Carol Corrigan (Penrose).

Nancy and Bob were members of Vermont Street United Methodist Church and active in the Double Ring Sunday School class. Later, Nancy attended First Christian Church in Camp Point, IL and Quincy Church of Christ.

In her early married years, Nancy was employed by Halbach Schroeder, and later worked for Motorola for 16 years where she was promoted to supervisor. Nancy then went back to school, got LPN training, and spent 4 years as a private nurse for Mrs. C. A. Moorman, owner of Moorman Mfg.

In the fall of 1978, Nancy joined her husband at his company, Penrose Uniforms/Union Mfg. Co. Nancy continued in the business after her husband's death in 1979, managing the company with her daughter, Carol, and son, Pat. She stayed with Penrose Uniforms until retiring in 2003.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert R. Penrose; and their son, Patrick Penrose.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Mark Corrigan, and her 7 grandchildren, Oliver Penrose, Mary Elizabeth (Andy) Michalek, Caleb Corrigan, Noah Corrigan, Seth (Kyra) Corrigan, Hannah (Josh) West, and Levi Corrigan. Also, Nancy truly enjoyed her great-grandchildren, Rose Corrigan and Oliver West. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Sarah Dockery, and family.

Friends and family are invited to Nancy's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Quincy Church of Christ.

A memorial service will follow at 10:00 am Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Quincy Church of Christ. Pastor Mark Stinnett will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy.

Arrangements for cremation are under the direction of the O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy.

Memorials can be made to Shiloh Christian Children's Ranch in Shelbina, MO.

Online condolences may be shared and a video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.