Margaret (O'Brien) Pennington
March 22, 1919 ~ September 15, 2017 (age 98) 98 Years OldShare Tribute:
Margaret O’Brien Pennington, 98, died on Friday, September 15, 2017.
She was born March 22, 1919 in Bellevue, TN.
Margaret and her beloved husband, Ralph, were married for 72 years before his
death in 2001. They were high school sweethearts at Bellevue where she was an
all-state guard on the basketball team. After they were wed, they moved from
Nashville to Chattanooga and spent over 60 years in the Tyner community raising
their 3 children and serving the Lord.
She taught at Tyner and Kirkman High Schools and was invested in the lives of the Young Adult Sunday school classes she taught at both Brainerd United Methodist and Tyner United Methodist; those young
adults are now grandparents. The class at Tyner now bears her name.
The Pennington’s were partners in all aspects of their 72 years of married life. They
traveled, camped, gardened, played golf, and welcomed many to their hospitable
home. Margaret was also an avid follower of her favorite teams: the Lady Vols, UT
football, the Braves, and golf at the Master’s.
She loved and marveled at God’s creation, prayed daily for her children,
grandchildren, great-grandchildren and anyone else in need. Her radiant smile was
shared with everyone she met, along with a hug and a word of encouragement.
Margaret was truly one of Jesus’ most faithful disciples, humbly walking with her
Lord each and every day – including her last – she thanked God for simple things, taking joy in
everything and everybody. Her constant declaration was, “I am ever so grateful.”
She leaves to her grateful family the legacy of a prayerful and loving life. They are
children Steve (Sharyn) Pennington of Bonita Springs, FL, Penny (Bobby) Vaughan
of College Grove, TN and Peggy Michaels of Lookout Mountain, GA; grandchildren,
Scott (Heidi)Pennington, Rachel (James) Chamblin, Stan (Erin) Pennington, Meg
(Scott) Word, Ann (Jason) Farmer and Kingsley (David) Bennett, and 13
great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 am at Tyner United Methodist, 6805 Standifer Gap
Road, Chattanooga 37421, with visitation an hour before the service. Charlie
Harrison of Tyner United Methodist and Joe Novenson of Lookout Mountain
Presbyterian will officiate.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Tyner United Methodist Church.
Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences with the family.
The family will receive friends Monday from 4-8 pm at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.