Nellie R Pennington

Nellie was born in Russell County, Kentucky, to the late Johnnie and Jewell Kearns. A woman of deep faith and gentle strength, she was a longtime member of Faith Chapel General Baptist Church. Throughout her life, she worked hard and joyfully in many roles. She owned Nellie’s St. Denis Bakery, as well as Gloryland Christian Book Store. She later worked as the baker in Mill Creek Elementary's cafeteria and at Homemade Pie & Ice Cream Kitchen. Wherever she went, Nellie brought kindness, warmth, and her unforgettable homemade desserts.

Nellie was a talented and award-winning gardener. She grew beautiful flowers that delighted everyone who visited her home. Her love of ceramics brought her great joy, and her beautiful creations earned multiple prize ribbons at the Kentucky State Fair. She loved the Smoky Mountains and finding peace in God’s creation. Music was always close to her heart especially bluegrass and gospel. She sang in a trio called “The Gospelettes” where she shared her faith through song. During Billy Graham’s 2001 visit to Louisville, Nellie was honored to sing as a member of his choir.

She was a terrific cook and baker. Nellie was famous for her pies, cakes, and especially her Thanksgiving dressing (affectionately known by her family as “the best in the world”). However, more than anything she made in the kitchen, Nellie poured her greatest love into her family. She lovingly earned the name Mamaw Darlin’. She helped care for her grandchildren by taking them to and from school, playing games, loving on them, and feeding them with the same warmth that defined her entire life. Her home was always a place of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love.

Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, Ivas “Odene” Pennington, and siblings Eugene, Olivene, Darlene, Dru and Gladys. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Slayton (Tim), sons Mark Pennington (Carol) and Tim Pennington, brothers Arlious “Buddy”, John Paul, and Floyd Kearns, sisters Mary Kocher and Donna Abney, four grandchildren: Stacie (Josh), Joshua, Hunter (Richelle), and Haylee (TJ), and six great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn (Spencer), Emily, Jackson, Sophie, Gunner, and Palmer.

Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 11th, at Heady-Hardy Funeral Home, 7710 Dixie Highway, followed by burial at Louisville Memorial Gardens West. Visitation will be from 12–8 PM Wednesday. Nellie lived a life of faith, service, and love. Her joy, tenderness, and generous heart will be remembered and cherished forever by all who were blessed to know her.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.