Anna Geertje Feenstra Pennington

Anna Geertje Feenstra Pennington of Wilmington, NC passed away Monday, April 21, 2014. She was born December 26, 1922 in Sappemeer, Groningen, Netherlands, the daughter of Sipke and Anna Gras Feenstra. Her family migrated to the United States in 1923 coming to Wilmington, NC. Always fascinated by airplanes, she received flying lessons for her 16th birthday, soloed in 1939 and earned her Private Pilot License in 1941. That began a lifelong involvement in aviation related activities. In 1942 she married her flight instructor, James "Skinny" Pennington, who died in 1999. She was also preceded in death by her son, Allen James Pennington; sisters, Jean McEwen and Kitty Humphrey; and a brother, Henry Feenstra. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Karen A. Pennington of Wilmington, NC. She was "Granna" to James B. Pennington (Julie) of Raleigh, Elizabeth A. Pennington-Thomas (Gregory), and Anna P. Pennington of Wilmington, NC; and "Great-Granna" to Emily Pennington of Raleigh, NC and Haley and Morgan Thomas of Wilmington, NC. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 1:00 pm Friday, April 25, 2014 at Pearsall Memorial Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pearsall Memorial Presbyterian Church, 3902 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28403.