Mary L Penny

Mary "Pookie" Penny, 79, of Cleveland, Ohio passed away peacefully on May 2nd, 2023, surrounded by family & friends. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama to Annie May & George Stubbs on December 31st, 1944.
Born in Birmingham with her twelve brothers, she later moved to Pittsburgh with her grandmother for much of her childhood, before later coming back to Ohio with her mother, planting roots here for what would be an adventure filled life in Northeast Ohio. She attended Cleveland Public schools (class of 1962), where she developed lifelong friendships & an appreciation for learning.
Mary was a member of the NuVision Missionary Baptist Church, she kept faith at the forefront of her life, having received Christ as a young woman, her walk with God always came first. A longtime member of the Saint Mary's Grand Chapter of the Eastern Stars, subdivision Naomi/076 since 1980, Mary was devoted in service to the sisterhood of prayer. While she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she also had a great love for working with people. Mary worked for many years serving the community with CMHA and the Progressive Action Council, she retired in 2008 and continued in service through volunteer work through 2017.
Known for her "Sass & Class", Mama Pookie will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Mary's family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing. Mary consistently reminded us that "Jesus has this" and kept her bible open at all times, reminding us all to stay anchored in the Word of God. Faith is what kept Mary grounded and what will carry her legacy on.
Preceded in death by her mother, father, nine brothers and late husband's Frank Townsend and Willie James. She is also survived by her loving children, Rosemary (Babydoll) Townsend (Jeff), Frank Townsend (late Angie), Edward Smith, Richard Smith, Kathy Smith, Wanda Jean Smith; grandchildren: [Rosemary's Kids (Leon, James)], [Frank's Kids (Frank, Leia)], [Richard's Kids (Richard (Valerie), Anthony, Javonte, Tashianna, Devonte)], [Kathy's Kids (Shareya (Demetrius), Traylon)], [Jean's Kids (Derrick Jr., Derrick)]. Also, survived by three brothers (Sam Meadows (Tommie), Ivory Johnson, Henry Stubbs) as well as a host of great-grandkids, other relatives and dear friends.
Weeping may come in the night but Joy comes in the morning, humbly submitted, The Family of Mary "Pookie" Penny. Friendsmaycall 11-pm at the Rogers Funeral Home, 8608 Quincy Ave, Cleveland, Ohio. 216-451-7590




 

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