Amy Kelley Penland
February 19, 1953 ~ April 9, 2019
Born in:
Eden, NC
Resided in:
Canton, NC
Amy Kelley Penland, 66, of Canton, NC, passed peacefully on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, to her Eternal Home in Heaven following a courageous 15-month battle with cancer.
Amy was a wonderful wife (and pastor’s wife), mother, and grandmother.
She was a faithful and much-loved daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, niece and cousin. Amy was a gifted Speech-Language Pathologist and she was a cherished friend to many. Most importantly of all, Amy was a committed follower of Jesus Christ. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at age 6 in a Vacation Bible School. Amy was a devoted pastor’s wife for 37 years. She served in local churches as a Sunday School teacher, Children’s Church director, Christmas program director, VBS director, a choir member and various other avenues of service. Additionally she served the NC West District of the Wesleyan Church as District Wesleyan Women Secretary for five years and as Wesleyan Kids for Missions Director, also for five years. During the past 15 months, she would often quote Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” and then add…”so I win either way.” She modeled the love and grace of God on a daily basis.
Amy was born February 19, 1953, in Eden, NC, a daughter of the late Martin and Lucille Kelley. She was a graduate of Morehead High School (Eden, NC), and was an honor student at UNC-Greensboro, where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
She was employed as a Speech-Language pathologist for over 40 years, the last 11 years prior to retirement with Asheville City Schools. She loved working with children and viewed her vocation as a calling and as a ministry. At the time of her retirement, she had qualified for lifetime membership in the American Speech and Hearing Association. In 2011, Amy became an active member of the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, International Honorary Organization for Women Educators.
When anyone would ask Amy if she had any hobbies she would reply, “one of my favorite ways to spend time is to be with family and friends.”
Left to cherish her memory and Christian testimony is her husband of almost 40 years, Rev. Terry W. Penland; daughter, Hannah Trapp and husband Lee; son, Andrew Penland and wife Katie; sisters, Kathryn Cliborne and husband Kenneth “Kempy,” and Nancy Reid; brother, James A. Kelley; grandchildren, Sophia Trapp, Vincent Trapp, and Adeline Lucille Penland; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins and many cherished friends.
A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, in the Patton Ave. chapel of Groce Funeral Home. The Revs. Jerry Lumston and David Vos will officiate. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to World Hope International, P.O. Box 743794, Atlanta, GA 30374-3794.
Services
Celebration of Life: April 14, 2019 5:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Visitation: April 14, 2019 3:00 pm - May 9, 2025 5:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Terry & Family:
I am so sorry to learn of Amy’s passing. I followed her situation via news items from the District. I had hoped for a different outcome. May God bless and hold all of you close. Please do not hesitate to contact me for anything you might need.
So sorry buddy, Amy was the best
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry, Amy was a very special lady. We will keep you in our prayers.
What a courageous battle she fought. Victory is her’s in Heaven at last!
Amy was a special lady and she was such an inspiration to me both when she was healthy and during her illness. Prayers for all the family.
Terry,
You and your family are in our prayers. Amy was an inspirational person with great ability. It has been a real joy knowing you and Amy for so many years. I know she is rejoicing with her Savior and will be forever! Let me know if I can be of help.
Amy Kelley was the epitome of kindness. She and dear Karen Hale were molded from the same clay, always smiling and happy, never ever speaking a harsh word about anyone. I knew both of them from birth through high school. Amy’s mom Lucille was my scout leader, and Amy inherited her joyful nature from her. I grieve for the loss of another classmate and but I am thankful to had Amy in my life. If everyone were like Amy, the world would as an enormous hive of honey with millions of bees drawn to its sweetness.
Amy and many of us were close friends;She will be greatly missed.
Clifton and I are so happy the Lord allowed our footsteps to intersect with yours and Amy’s several years ago… What a courageous example she was/is in how to keep loving Jesus even through the valleys of life. May the Lord sustain you and the family as you face the future without Amy’s presence.
You have my prayers and condolences are with you and your family.
Sincerely
Myra Breazeale
Sincerely,
Julie Briggs
Terry and family,
Our thoughts and prayers continue for your family. Amy was one of the kindest people we ever met. She will be missed.
Mary Ann Pharr and Alana Henderson
God guided you and Amy to your house on Newfound for a reason. Whatever that reason was our lives have been enriched by knowing you both. What a kind, compassionate woman Amy was. Now, she will celebrate Easter with Jesus! Praise his name.
Remember, we are right next door.
Phil & Deb Evans
Love and prayers for the family!
The thing I will most remember about Amy was her almost constant smile. Like everyone I’m sure she had her ups and downs but you could clearly see the joy and peace in her life that only God can give. She was loved by all who knew her and she made a difference in the lives of so many. Amy will be missed here on earth but I know she is rejoicing in Heaven right now! Our prayers are with Terry and her family through this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss Terry will keep you and the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Your classmate Janice Echerd Bailey.
So sorry my friend! I will pray for you as I do every time I think of you, You just will be on my mind much more!
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a very sweet person. She will be greatly missed.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Our deepest sympathies and prayers for you and the family ,Amy will be missed and remembered by us. May God bless and keep Amy by his side .
I am so saddened to hear about Amy. She was such an inspiration to me and everyone she met. I worked at Hall Fletcher with her. She was an example of a true Christian Lady.I was blessed to have Amy as a friend . Amy loved her family and was so excited about being a Grandmother! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Sandi
How deeply saddened I am to see this news. I will lift you and your family up praying for Peace and Comfort.