Shirley Lou (Cardwell) Pennington

Shirley Lou (Cardwell) Pennington, age 89, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Shirley was born on October 5, 1936, in Alamance County, NC, daughter of the late Russell and Nettie Rudd Cardwell. A Loving Wife, A Precious Mother and just “Nana” to all her grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and all who knew her.

To know Shirley Lou was to love her. She dedicated her life to her family as a devoted housewife, staying home to raise her four children, creating home filled with love, care, and lasting memories. She was far too cool to be called “grandma,” and instead became simply “Nana” – a name lovingly given not only by her grandchildren, but also by anyone lucky enough to know her.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures-whether it was the sound of pins crashing at the bowling alley during her weekly bowling league meet up, the warmth of the sun on her skin at the beach, the perfect tan that always seemed to follow her or the way she took care of and loved her loyal companion ( more of a child to her) Penny. She also loved her little red sports car, which perfectly matched her fun-loving and spirited personality.

In the midst of it all, she loved to have a good time. She was always up for dancing, even getting her first (and only) tattoo at 62 years old. She truly lived life with no regrets. For many years, she was affectionately known as “the t-shirt lady” at the flea market, where her familiar presence and friendly spirit left a lasting impression on all who stopped by. She took pride in her appearance, rarely seen without her nails done and her jewelry carefully chosen-little touches that reflected her vibrant personality and love for life.

A member of St. John’s United Methodist Church for over 55 years, she dedicated much of her time serving others. She held many titles throughout the years, including children’s director, Sunday School teacher, and scout leader. She touched countless lives with her guidance, kindness, and unwavering commitment.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, especially the heartfelt way she would say, “love you sweetheart,” or “love you more” as you walked out her door, ask her how she feels and she would answer “with my hands”.

She is now reunited in heaven with our beloved daddy/paw-paw and if there are sports cars in heaven, we know she has already found hers (and it’s red), likely on her way to the bowling alley or the beach.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded by her husband Walter Pennington, sister: Vera Faye Cardwell, brothers; Laverne Cardwell, Joey Shepanski and Eddie Shepanski and grand-daughter April Dawn Pennington.

Shirley leaves behind daughters; Deborah “Debbie” Landreth (Mike), Vicky Lynn Cheek (Dale); sons; Walter Marshall Pennington Jr. (Hazel), Brian Pennington, loving fur baby companion Penny, eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren who all love her dearly and will miss her greatly. She will always be in our hearts.

Graveside service will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 1:00 pm, Guilford Memorial Park, 6000 West Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27407, Visitation will be held one hour prior in Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel.

In lieu of flowers donations could be made to AuthoraCare/ Hospice Home in Burlington, 918 Chapel Hill Rd. Burlington,NC 27215.

Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel is honored to serve the Pennington family.