Jean Cordell Pennington

Jean Cordell Pennington, 83, peacefully surrendered to her battle with cancer on Wednesday, September 17. She faced her illness with unwavering Faith and inspiring courage. Jean lived with her husband, Ken Pennington, and their dog, Saige, in Easley, SC.

A memorial service will be held at Berea First Baptist Church, 529 Farrs Bridge Rd, Greenville, SC 29611, on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 1:00 P.M.

Born Shelby Jean Simmons on December 9, 1941, in Liberty, SC, to Lloyd and Ruby Simmons, she was the oldest of four children: Jack Simmons, Johnny Simmons, and Janet Osborne - all of whom continue to reside in the Greenville area.

Jean was the mother of two boys, Todd Cordell and Greg Cordell, who described her as being fiercely devoted, loving, and generous.

Her deep passion for family and friends shone through every aspect of her life. Her absence will be profoundly felt by her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her.

When asked if she had hobbies, the unanimous response was "helping others." Her sons lovingly said, "Mom was everybody's mom." She also loved to cook. Her banana pudding was legendary. She was also known for her thoughtfulness, often sending out 10 or 15 cards each week to friends and family.

Jean's boundless compassion stemmed from her deep love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a devoted member of the Berea First Baptist Church, where she met Ken. She served faithfully in many roles, including working in the nursery, the Women's Missionary Union as secretary, and the church choir. Her love for missions took her to Uganda, Nicaragua, and Grenada, and she visited and provided meals for house-bound members of her community.

Jean and Ken were approaching their 10th anniversary in April. Theirs is a story of deep and abiding love for each other and for God.

Professionally, Jean worked for many years as a dental assistant and manager, and later as a telecommunications manager for Sprint in Jacksonville, Florida.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Pennington; son Todd Cordell, his wife, Kathy, and their two children, Kasey and Blake; son Greg Cordell, his wife Courtney, and their children, Kylie and Griffin; stepson Kenny Pennington, his wife Donna, and their son Zach, along with six great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings, Janet Osborne and her children, Jessica, Michelle and Austin; Jack Simmons and his wife, Ginger and their children, Krista and Doug; Johnny Simmons and his wife, Carol, and their children, April and Angela.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Ruby Simmons.

Jean's life was a testimony of love, faith, and selflessness. Her legacy of compassion and service will live in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials which will support Missions at Berea First Baptist Church https://www.bereafbc.org/give/ or St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html