Rebecca "Beckie" Pennell

Rebecca “Beckie” Reece Pennell, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and lifelong educator, peacefully passed away on December 8, 2025, surrounded by her family. Beckie’s influence on thousands of Gaston County Schools students will never be forgotten.

Beckie was born on June 29, 1948, to Boyce and Bessie Reece in Charlotte, NC. A beloved daughter and sister, Beckie was preceded in death by her father, mother, and younger brother, Danny Reece. She is survived by her youngest brother Jim Reece.

A forever learner, Beckie devoted 30 years of her life to teaching for Gaston County Schools. She spent her career teaching at Robinson Elementary and Cramerton Middle School. She was selected as Teacher of the Year at Cramerton Middle in 2000. After a successful career in teaching, she retired in 2010.

She was a faithful member of McAdenville Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir. She also helped the Gaston Baptist Association create a sock tree to provide clothing items for the less fortunate in our community during the Christmas season. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a faithful servant to Him her entire life.

Beckie adored her family, and was blessed with one daughter, Leslee (husband Matthew), and eight grandchildren - Lauren (husband Ian), Landon (wife Madison), Lilly, Lincoln, Livvy, Lena, Lexi, and Lucas Dockery. She was also a “Great Nana” to four great grandchildren (Evelyn, Anderson, Lakes, and Harrison). Her family was truly the light of her life.

A lifelong baseball fan, Beckie loved the New York Yankees and could be found watching baseball anytime it was on.

Also left to grieve her loss are her two lifelong best friends, Nita Gee and Alene James. We are thankful for the many special memories she shared with them. We would also like to extend our thanks to Christy Edobor, a special caretaker who went above and beyond to help care for Beckie, as well as, her hospice nurse, Lauren with Carolina Caring.

A visitation to celebrate Beckie’s life will take place on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, from 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM at Carothers Funeral Home, 2205 Williamsburg Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054. A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 2:00 PM. The family will gather for a private graveside memorial following the service.

In honor of her love for the Yankees, we would love for you to wear any Yankees memorabilia you have.