Willie Pearl Penn

Willie Pearl Penn was born September 16, 1936 in Winston Salem, NC. Willie Pearl was the last of three children born to Willie Mae Stenson Price and Kenneth Price. Willie Pearl departed this earthly life on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

Willie Pearl was educated in the North Carolina school system. She completed her studies at Atkins High School in Winston Salem, NC.

Willie Pearl dedicated her life to service, starting her career at The Ohio State University Medical Center in August 1966. Willie Pearl started in the neonatal unit. Over the years, she rose to a management position, impacting countless lives with her professionalism and kindness. Upon her retirement on September 30, 2009, Willie Pearl left behind a legacy of compassion and dedication. She was a true Buckeye fan. During football season for the Buckeyes; Willie Pearl was glued to her seat watching the Buckeyes play. Same during basketball season. Willie Pearl liked watching other teams and other sports at the college level and at the pro level, but she felt like nothing could compare to her beloved Buckeyes. 

Willie Pearl was a faithful and devout member of 7th Avenue Community Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years. She was a church mother, previously sang in the choir, helped around the church, and did anything else that was required of her as a member. She found solace in her faith and gave back to her community through her involvement in various activities such as mentoring programs at OSU and Weinland Park Civic Association. Her warm spirit and unwavering commitment to helping others will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Willie Pearl was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Mae Stenson Price and Kenneth Price; husband, Lemuel F. Penn; brothers, Kenneth Price and Charles “Pee Wee” Price; and daughter, Trina Moses.

Willie Pearl leaves to cherish her memory, daughters, Bonnie, Angela (Johnnie) Miller, and Lementha; sons, Wayne, Lemuel, Tony, and Kent; grandchildren, Anthony (Shelmine) Saunders II, Steve, Raymond and Raya Engram, Kamara Penn, and Jeremiah Jackson; great grandchildren, Anthony Saunders III, Zion Keels, Raiana Carter, APrince, Areeyah, and Anani Aziz, Bishop Engram, and Ashaia Jackson; great-great grandchildren, Mi’Anthony Saunders and Mi’Aire Saunders; special cousin, Virgil Hughes; God daughter, Mary Durr; and a host of other cousins, extended family, and friends.