Mrs. Lois Athell Haliburton

Lois Athell Pennington was born on October 3, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the sixth of twelve children born to Lewis James Pennington and Blanche Kate (Ross) Pennington, both of whom preceded her in glory. She received her education through the Cleveland Public School District. Lois began her spiritual journey as a young child when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at Triedstone Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Lois worked as a freelance domestic worker.

On November 16, 1955, Lois was united in holy matrimony with her beloved, Lubia C. Haliburton (who she affectionately called Lou). Their loving union was blessed with three daughters: Shirley, Lynda, and Regina. They settled in Philadelphia and Lois served as bookkeeper for Lou’s auto body paint and repair business, while managing their household.

Wherever they landed, Lois and Lou always found a church home where they could worship, serve, and grow in faith. They joined and began raising the children at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, where they faithfully served on the usher board and floral club. Their faith journey continued when they relocated to Wichita, Kansas at Greater St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church where they again served on the Usher Board, and later in Seaside, California at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where they founded the Floral Club, providing fresh flowers on the pulpit each Sunday and where Lubia served as deacon. Settling later in San Jose, California, they became devoted members of Maranatha Christian Center where they were both members of the J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) ministry and Lubia was honorary deacon. They relocated again to Indianapolis, IN, serving at True Vine Baptist Church. When they returned to San Jose, they resumed membership at Maranatha Christian Center where Lois was lovingly named as one of the elite Church Mothers. Lois was Queen Mother of The Red Hat Society, sponsored by Maranatha CC, Charter # 85922. Mom Lois grew relationships with a slew of bonus Sons and Daughters in the faith from all over this country. You know who you are!

Lois’ greatest joy was being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved to bake and learned decorating techniques that became one of her creative outlets. Lois also shared a deep love for travel with her Beloved—Whenever Lou said, “Let’s,” she was always ready to say, “Go!”

Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lubia C. Haliburton and her siblings: Alyce Pennington Rivers, Theresa Pennington-Scott (Elbert), Lewis Pennington Jr, Joseph Pennington (Lori), Rufus Pennington, Lawrence Pennington (Doris), Carl Pennington, Sidney Pennington (survived by Marina), and Eleanor Pennington Crawford (John).

Lois is lovingly remembered by sister, Thelma Pennington Whittington (Waters deceased), Daughters Shirley A. Haliburton (James), Lynda K. Haliburton, and Regina Haliburton Parker (Richard); Beloved Bonus sons, Larry Irving, (Daisy) and Lubia Haliburton Jr. (Maxine deceased) 11 grandchildren: Kenny, Dawn, Nicole, LaMont, LaRonn, Ryan, Alicia, Brian, Larry Jr., Tamyra, and Marcus; multiple great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives; and many treasured friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to African American Community Service Agency, 304 North 6th Street, San Jose, California 95112, US, https://www.sjaacsa.org/.