Ruth Evelyn Pennington

Ruth Evelyn Pennington entered Heaven’s gate on January 2, 2020. She was born on October 14, 1936, to Velmon and Rosie Shirley. Ruth was blessed to have been born to Christian parents that instilled the love of Jesus and formed the foundation of the servant’s heart that benefited her family, friends, community, and the church she so dearly loved. Her dad layed the first block at Unity Baptist Church in Concord where she is a chárter member. As the physical blocks were layed Ruth worked along side many remarkable and precious individuals to instill a love of Jesus. Teaching the beginner and primary classes, children were her focus. She was active in bringing the first vacation Bible school to Unity where she actively filled the back of her truck with neighborhood kids. Ruth was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She celebrated almost 60 years of marriage to William Herbert Pennington before his passing in 2013. She treasured her children and adored the title of Grandma, MawMaw, and MeMaw. The ones blessed to call her mom are Michael and Jennifer Pennington of Oak Grove, Brenda Bailey of Hueytown, Janet and Terry Hagood of Concord. Her grandchildren Scott and Grace Pennington, Blair Hagood (Samantha Wade), Bailey Hagood, Cory and Landon Graffeo, Luke and Presley Pennington, Braylon and Hudson Graffeo. A precious granddaughter, Kalee Pennington, that shared her home along with Puppy, her grand-dog. She is a sister to Ruby and Billy Brooks, Billy Joe and Wanda Shirley, Betty Shirley, Estell Pennington, Lawrence and Carolyn Pennington, James and Lydia Honeycutt. And a proud aunt to many loving nieces and nephews. Friends that became family are Larry and Betty Hagood, Sharon Reid, Tommie Raney, Lila “Sis” Smith and Marilyn Bevill. Ruth was employed with the Midfield Board of Education as lunchroom manager for twenty years and she loved seeing “her kids” out and about the town. Due to hearing loss she became an avid reader. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Hueytown Library for always assisting and keeping her favorite authors on the shelf. She was community driven and to Debra and her friends at Food Giant—a hug for everything you have done for our family both past and present. She loved each of you. Ruth treasured her family and friends and enjoyed letting them know through her card ministry. Birthday, anniversary, symphathy, get-well, or Happy New Year – it was her way of communicating; it was her way of saying you matter to me. Greeting her at Heaven’s gate with her parents and husband and Bobby Bailey (son in law), Jerid Bailey (grandson) Robert Shirley (brother), Rosie Honeycutt, Willie Mae Courington, and J.T. Pennington (sisters and brother in laws). Mama, you are gone from our sight but thank you for all these soft, sweet things you have left behind in our home, in our head, and in our heart. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to The Hueytown Public Library in Ruth’s name or an animal/rescue shelter of your choice. The family will receive guests on Friday, January 3rd from 5 to 7 pm. Funeral will be held at 1pm on Saturday, January 4th. Visitation and funeral will be held at Unity Baptist Church located at 1535 Larkin Johnson Road in Bessemer (Concord), AL 35023.

Ruth Evelyn Pennington

October 14, 1936 - January 2, 2020