Penelope “Penny” Jordan Rea
Penelope “Penny” Jordan Rea, 94, passed from this life on Sunday, February 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband and family. During her life she was a homemaker, worked in retail and operated her electrolysis business in the beauty industry.
Born December 21, 1930 to Lillie Waters Jordan and Ernest Waters in New Bern, NC and raised by her loving adoptive father James E. Jordan, Penny lived a life full of adventure and grace. She was married over 75 years to her loving husband Edward “Ted” Rea, Jr.
Penny and Ted had a passion for life and traveled the world with an array of friends and family. Her love for people was shown by the lifelong friendships she had with several friends and neighbors that never faded. Her welcome nature and friendly, fun personality to all she met will be missed.
Penny is survived by her husband, Ted Rea; two daughters, Michelle Cantrell (Marlin) and Kim Murphy (Mike); four grandchildren, David Cantrell (Angel), Shea Canning (Mike), Barry Murphy (Kathy), and Amy Swygert (Jody); eight great grandchildren, Nicole Bucio, Andrew Cantrell, Patrick Canning, Jillian Canning, Lilli Murphy, Avery Murphy, Avah Swygert, and Landon Swygert; two great-great-grandchildren, Weston and Dawson Cantrell; son-in-law, John Bradford; cousin, Jack Waters (Juanita), and nephew, James Jordan.
Penny is preceded in death by her parents, Lillie and James E. Jordan; daughter, Judi Bradford, granddaughter, Shannon Bradford; brother, Ernest Jordan; nephew, David Jordan; in-laws, Edward and Velna Rea; father, Ernest Waters; and grandparents, Gilbert and Margaret Waters.
Our heartfelt thanks and love goes out to the supportive staff at Hearth Hospice Care, with special thanks to Gabby, Sheena and Isaac for your guidance and loving care through these difficult times.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, Feb. 24, in the funeral home chapel. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until noon on Monday at the funeral home.
A graveside service will follow at 1:30 pm at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8911 Dallas Hollow Road, Soddy-Daisy, Tn. 37379, 423 843-2525.
Share your memories at legacyfuneralhome.com.