Mother Naomi Elizabeth Pannell

THIS IS MY STORY, THIS IS MY SONG…

THE EARLY DAYS: I was born of a kind heart, Naomi Elizabeth Robinson, on a lovely fall day, November 1, 1934, in Norfolk, West Virginia, to my loving parents, Jesse King and Susie Ann Elizabeth Robinson. I am the third of thirteen children and was named by my grandfather, John Robinson. He pronounced, “We have a Paul, we have a Ruth. Now I name you Naomi.” And so, my life commenced in the fear and admonition of the Lord. My father affectionately referred to me as his “million-dollar baby in a five and ten cent store. My family was large and beautiful and meant the world to me.

My siblings and I learned great work ethics early on. We lived on a farm in the mountains of West Virginia where we raised chickens and pigs. We grew our food and made our own butter. As far as studies are concerned, I was an excellent student who had an ardent appreciation for learning. My scholastic achievements were guided by Elkridge Elementary, Norfolk Jr. High and Elkhorn Senior High School. I graduated in 1952. As a child, I was sensitive to the Holy Spirit and at the age of 12, on July 14, 1946, I was baptized in the name of Jesus and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. This was the best thing that would ever happen to me. While a child, I attended the Little Rock Church of Christ where Bishop Posey Diamond Smith was my pastor. We didn’t have to travel far to go to service.  You see, the church was attached to our house on the mountain. Seeing that God had a plan for my life, He blessed me to be appointed secretary of the Sunday School at the young age of 13, appointed secretary of the Pastor’s Aide, member of the Busy Bee Club, Young People’s Prayer Band and the Gospel Choir. I loved church!

MY FAMILY LIFE: At the age of 17, upon graduation from high school in 1952, I married the love of my life, the kind- hearted Joseph Pannell, who had relocated to Columbus, Ohio. We made our heart commitment during his two- week army leave before he was deployed to fight in the Korean War. During my husband’s war timetable, I was employed at a gas station/confectionary shop. Subsequently, I relocated to Columbus, Ohio in May, 1954. My love for learning never ceased and upon relocation, I enrolled in the Central Night School Program where I studied refresher courses in business, typing and shorthand. This training enabled me to later become gainfully employed as a recording stenographer. I had the blessed privilege of giving birth to my heartbeats. Our beautiful seven daughters were the love of our lives. Further, in 1975, my husband and I were blessed to add our 4-year-old nephew to the family as our son. Who would have thought? From the two of us, to date, the Pannell Tribe numbers 92.

MY CHURCH SERVITUDE: Faithfully, in 1954, I began to serve at Rehoboth Temple Church of Christ, 1120 East Long Street, under the pastorship of Bishop H.J. Spencer. Under assignment, I had the auspicious pleasure of serving as secretary of the Sunday School, served in the Go-Forth Club, Gospel Choir, A.B.Y.P.U., Baptismal Committee, Drama Department and the Kitchen Committee where I was known for my delectable cakes and pies. I was honored to assist with the COOLJC National and State Registration Committees, additionally, State Program Committees. God gifted me with a love and dexterity for fine arts early in my life. This passion as an artisan carried over into my adult and church life. I performed in many productions including the well-known “Unwashed Hands” and “Mary of Bethany.” Consequently, God blessed me to become a well sought- after coordinator and play director throughout the city. I was instrumental in the production and initiation of pantomimes and plays in the church arena. Later, with grace and guidance, my heavenly Father helped me pave the uncharted path for art and drama to be utilized and commenced within the scope of His reverence. God blessed it to be an additional utility toward expressive and Christ-centered worship.

In 1958, with the permission of Bishop Spencer, I began the infamous Templeaire Choir to help introduce a more contemporary sound of worship in service. The choir developed a remarkable sound as we studied and were directed under the works of the great Maestro, Clinton Utterbach.

After 24 years of servant assignment at Rehoboth Temple Church, I joined my husband as co-founder to birth a ministry on Columbus’ south side, Little Rock Church of Christ. The task loomed large, but I enjoyed every minute of every challenge. I loved the ministry with all my heart. God remained faithful and as First Lady, trusted me with the position of church administrator (over 20 years), Missionary President, Vacation Bible School Director, Christmas Committee and head of Christmas productions, Kitchen Committee, M.D.W.G. Sunday School Teacher (Jr./Int. classes), started and developed the Gospel Choir, introduced an even higher level of fine arts into worship. My husband and I also pastored New Bethel in Gary West Virginia for over 17 years. Anything that I have procured in this lifetime, is but a consequence to God’s glory.

COMMUNITY: Throughout the years, it was a pleasure to serve in community outreach programs by providing food, clothing, and the like, to the disadvantaged. Moreover, I had the honor of teaching, helping, and impacting the lives of children at the Sonshine Christian Academy as a para-educator. They affectionately called me ‘Mom’…

My Departure: I took flight and joined family members on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 1:17 p.m. and now celebrate with them in glory. I am rejoicing with my beloved husband and best friend, Bishop Joseph Pannell and our “Beautiful Savior”. I am enjoying my rest with Parents: Deacon Jesse and Mother Susie Robinson, Brothers: Paul, Nathaniel, Jesse, Jr., James, Russell, John David, Sisters: Rose, Ruth, Synetha (William).

And to those I leave behind to rejoice my victory along with me, my most treasured possessions, my heartbeats: Deborah, Linda, Constance (Blair), Andrea (Ernest), Jodi, Tanez (Christopher), Nichole and my son/nephew, Curtis (Precious), additionally, 27+ (13) Grandchildren, 40 Great Grandchildren, Sisters: Rachel Bozeman, Laura Gay, Brenda Smith, Sisters in Love: Lilly Robinson, Helen Robinson, God children: Monique McFarland, Synedra Pass, Special Friend: Virginia Brown, and a huge host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends…”I love you more and I’ll see you again real soon!”

*Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Naomi Pannell by visiting alz.org

Mother Pannell will Lie in State at 9:00am until Home Going Celebration starting at 10:00am Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Rehoboth Temple Church of Christ, 1111 E Long Street. Mask and Social Distancing are required. Interment at Franklin Hills Memory Gardens. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave.