Joan Lee Pennington

Joan Lee Pennington, 76, of Wilmington Scotts Hill Community, died Monday, May 12, 2008, at her home after a hard fought battle with a lengthy illness. She was born in Wilmington, NC, July 8, 1931, daughter of the late Harvey Lee and Thelma Somersett Lee. Mrs. Pennington was a talented seamstress and loved to make quilts. She enjoyed bowling and fishing. She loved all kinds of animals and was particularly notorious for taking in any strays which might happen to come her way. As a young girl, she volunteered her time with the Salvation Army singing on street corners with her aunt for small donations. Mrs. Pennington was a dedicated wife and mother. She devoted her time and energy to making other people happy, especially her family. She was courageous in the face of adversity and could always seem to find a solution to any problem. She had a special place in her heart for the weak and helpless. She would often speak up upon seeing an injustice when others feared to do so. Like her father before her, she never met a stranger. She will be truly and sorely missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband of sixty-years, Robert C. Pennington; three children, Bonny Napier of Harrisburg, NC, Suzette Pennington of Wilmington, NC, and Ralph Pennington and wife Jackie of Hampstead, NC; six grandchildren, Jonathan Napier, John Napier, Chris Dennis and wife Crystal, Lee Dennis, Ian Pennington and wife Michele, and Joshua Pennington and wife Sue; four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Sylvia Allen and Julia Cendejas both of California. A younger sister, Toni ""Teddy"" Lee, preceded her in death. The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Andrews Mortuary Hampstead Chapel, 17730 Highway 17 North, Hampstead, NC. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2008, at Andrews Mortuary Hampstead Chapel by the Rev. Curtis Campbell. Interment will follow in Sea Lawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be grandsons of Mrs. Pennington. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 2222 South 17th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, or the Salvation Army, 820 North 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401.