Virginia Mae Cope Pennell

Virginia Cope Pennell, of Weaverville, entered into eternal life on September 15, 2012. She was born on March 20, 1928 to Robert Lee and Mary Love Cogdill Cope. She was preceded in death by all of her siblings: Charles Jackson Cope, Mary Cope Garren, Robert Lee Cope, Jr., and Doris Cope Presley. Her loving husband and best friend Clark W. Pennell Sr. also preceded her in death on December 29, 2008. They were married for sixty one wonderful years. Mrs. Pennell was a graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School and attended Western Carolina Teacher's College. She always felt that her most important role was that of a wife and mother. During her children's young lives she was a volunteer with the PTA, The Girl Scouts of America, and Memorial Mission Hospital. She also served as an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau of Asheville. After her children were grown she was employed as a teacher assistant in both the Shelby City Schools and the Buncombe County Schools. She was a longtime faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Asheville, where she served on various committees and was a member of the Dorcus Sunday School class. Following her husband's retirement in 1984 they spent many happy years traveling and spending time with their family and friends. She always enjoyed talking about her many wonderful lifetime memories. Mrs. Pennell is survived by her children Clark W. Pennell Jr. and his wife, Beverly, of Bald Head Island, Ann Pennell Bolinger and her husband, Woody, of Weaverville, and Laura Pennell Brazil and her husband Ron of Asheville. She is also survived by her grandchildren Matthew Pennell and wife Linda, Amanda Pennell Lindler, Carol Bolinger, Jonathan Brazil, and Ben Bolinger and her two great-grandchildren Emory Pennell and Wyatt Lindler. She is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jack and Tiny Pennell of Lenior, and sister-in-law Betty Pennell of Valdese, as well as many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday September 21, 2012, in the chapel of First Baptist Church Asheville. The Rev. Dr. Guy Sayles and the Rev. Leah Brown will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Green Hills Cemetery. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorials to Meals on Wheels, 146 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801, or to NC Baptist Children's Home, PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0038 in Mrs. Pennell's memory would be greatly appreciated. Mrs. Pennell's family would like to thank her many loving friends and caregivers. We would also like to thank the wonderful people at Clare Bridge of Asheville, The Laurels of Greentree Ridge, and CarePartners Hospice and Palliative Care for their support and tender care. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.