Camille B. Penders

Mary Camille Burns Penders passed away on August 31, 2025, at Marshes Edge on St. Simons Island, GA. Camille was born on May 11, 1930, to Mary Dean and Jennings Burns. She attended Glynn Academy graduating in 1948 and was the oldest living alumni until her death.

Camille attended college at GSCW in Milledgeville where she obtained a degree in elementary education. She began her teaching career in Brunswick at Arco Elementary School where she mentored many students, many of whom remained her lifelong friends. She received a master’s degree in counseling at UGA which enabled her to move on to Brunswick High School as a counselor. Based on countless comments about her on Facebook, she helped many students make sound choices and enjoy life’s many blessings.

When Camille started at BHS, she met Edith Smoak who was chosen to open BHS and be part of their inaugural years. They became instant friends and defied odds for ladies back then when they bought a home together. They enjoyed many years on Highland Circle prior to moving to Camille’s parent’s home in Wesley Oaks. They resided there until moving into Vitality Assisted Living in 2022 where Edith passed away in February 2025.

After retiring, Edith and Camille opened a cottage industry called Pipe Dreams. They made Christmas ornaments and shipped them all over the US. This business enabled them to shop at the Merchandise Mart in Atlanta which was a dream come true for Camille.

Camille loved life and lived it to the fullest. She loved to shop for fine things, travel, play Mahjong, collect treasures. Over the years she and Edith developed friendships all over the country and were able to travel and spend time with them often. Their van was always ready with snacks, drinks, rain gear and anything that might be needed on a road trip.

Some of Camille’s favorite travels included New York City, an annual visit to Hilton Head for Family Circle Tennis, Nova Scotia, Europe, and all over the US. One year at the tennis event Camille and Billy Jean King had the same sweater. Camille loved clothes and shoes and enjoyed being the fashion policeman for her friends reminding them the lipstick was too pink, or the skirt was too short.

Every trip taken by the dynamic duo was captured in photos and then organized into albums by years and trips. There were over a hundred picture albums to be viewed when they sold their home in 2022. They were also very careful planners and kept all sorts of notebooks and brochures on their trips. They also collected art wherever they went and had a house full of beautiful paintings. The St. Simons Art Festival in October was never missed.

Camille was a daily Communicant at St William’s Catholic Church while her health permitted. She continued to receive communion weekly brought by Susie Rassas to Vitality and Marshes Edge. She never missed mass when possible and was able to attend mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City every time she went.

Camille leaves behind numerous cousins and friends spread throughout the US and a family of Clemson fans in South Carolina. She also has many former students including Sam Bowen who remember her fondly and still visited her until recently. Her care team at the end consisted of Claudia Lenz, Hanky Eastwick, Dawne Hudson, Jimmy Lee Bacon and Brenda Dallas who all have a giant void in their lives.

A funeral mass and interment to celebrate Camille’s life will be held on October 7, 2025, at St William’s Catholic Church on St. Simons at 11:00 AM.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with the final arrangements. A reception will follow the service.

Donations in Camille’s memory may be made to Heartland Hospice at 664 Scranton Rd, Suite 103, Brunswick, GA 31525 or to Brunswick High School, 3885 Altama Ave, Brunswick, GA 31520 for indigent students’ needs.