Delores Smith Penn

On Thursday, August 19, 2021, Delores peacefully departed this life for her eternal, heavenly home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Delores was the first of 10 children born to the late William H. Smith and Mary Graves on February 13, 1933 in Eckman, West Virginia. She grew up in Bluefield, West Virginia and graduated from Kimball High School. After high school, she attended
Bluefield State College and graduated with a degree in education. It was at Bluefield State College that she met her husband, Samuel Walker Penn, to which 5 children were born – 3 boys and 2 girls.

Delores accepted Christ as a teenager and lived her life in devoted service to Him. Being a gifted teacher, she used this gift in the Sunday School ministry in Detroit, Michigan at Refuge Temple Church of Christ and Rehoboth Temple Church in Columbus, Ohio. She served side by side with her husband on the state, local and national level in the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ (COOLJC) Sunday School Department. As an educator, she had a passion for learning and for children. She was a gifted teacher in the elementary level and worked in the Detroit City Schools as well as the Columbus City Schools until her retirement in 1995. Upon retirement, she spent her time tutoring in the Columbus City Schools as a reading specialist as well as tutoring and preparing her grandchildren for lifelong learning.

Delores was full of humility, grace and compassion. In addition, she possessed the gift of hospitality, always welcoming visitors into her home and freely sharing meals. Delores was a gifted decorator, avid gardener and self-taught landscaper. Being extremely creative, she was often called upon by many to provide landscaping ideas and plant selections for various homes. Not only would she share her knowledge but, most often, would provide the labor to get the job done.

More than her teaching, more than her decorating, gardening and landscaping, Delores longed to see Jesus! She was instrumental in ministering to many family and friends as they transitioned to eternity. She proudly demonstrated her faith and hope on her last personal license plate – 02C GZUS.

Even during her suffering, the love of God was manifested. Her sweet and gracious nature never changed. Delores was patient, long suffering, kind, understanding, always showing care and concern for others even during her illness. She was dearly loved by all who knew her. Until we see her again, our hearts will be broken, but we know she is well and happy with her Jesus!

Delores is preceded in death by husband, Elder Samuel Penn; her parents, William and Mary Smith; brothers, William Oda Smith and Carlos Squire Smith; her sister- cousin, Etta Jean King, and many other in-laws and family.

Delores leaves her devoted and beloved children, Samuel Walker II (Joyce) of Clinton, Maryland; Rockford Andre, Millicent Denise, Tarji Denine Broomfield (Arthur) and Christian Miguel (Adrienne) of Columbus, Ohio; her sisters, Gwen Watkins (James), Juanita Pannell (Melvin), Litisia Solomon, Pearl Moore (Alvis), Sondrus McDaniel, Deborah Jenkins (William), and Karen Smith. Also, her 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and God-daughter, Nikki Franklin as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends

Visitation 11:00am and Memorial Service 12:00pm Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at Rehoboth Church of Christ, 1111 E. Long Street.