Margaret O'Brien Pennington
Margaret O’Brien Pennington, 98, died on Friday, September 15, 2017.
She was born March 22, 1919 in Bellevue, TN.
Margaret and her beloved husband, Ralph, were married for 72 years before his death in 2001. They were highschool sweethearts at Bellevue where she was an all-state guard on the basketball team. After they were wed, they moved from Nashville to Chattanooga and spent over 60 years in the Tyner community raising their three children and serving the Lord. She taught at Tyner and Kirkman High Schools and was invested in the lives of the Young Adult Sunday school classes she taught at both Brainerd United Methodist and Tyner United Methodist; those young adults are now grandparents. The class at Tyner now bears her name.
The Penningtons were partners in all aspects of their 72 years of married life. They traveled, camped, gardened, played golf, and welcomed many to their hospitable home. Margaret was also an avid follower of her favorite teams: the Lady Vols, UT football, the Braves, and golf at the Master’s.
She loved and marveled at God’s creation, prayed daily for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and anyone else in need. Her radiant smile was shared with everyone she met, along with a hug and a word of encouragement. Margaret was truly one of Jesus’ most faithful disciples, humbly walking with her Lord each and everyday. Every day – including her last – she thanked God for simple things, taking joy in everything and everybody. Her constant declaration was, “I am ever so grateful.”
She leaves to her grateful family the legacy of a prayerful and loving life. They are children, Steve (Sharyn) Pennington of Bonita Springs, FL, Penny (Bobby) Vaughan of College Grove, TN and Peggy Michaels of Lookout Mountain; grandchildren, Scott (Heidi) Pennington, Rachel (James) Chamblin, Stan (Erin) Pennington, Meg (Scott) Word, Ann (Jason) Farmer and Kingsley (David) Bennett, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Visitation is on Monday, Sept. 18, from 4-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road.
Her service is on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Tyner United Methodist, 6805 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga 37421, with visitation an hour before the service. Charlie Harrison of Tyner United Methodist and Joe Novenson of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tyner United Methodist Church.
Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences with the family.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.