Patsy Lorene Pennington

Patsy Lorene Pennington, age 83, resident of Oakland, Tennessee, passed away Friday, October 16, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Patsy was born on April 29, 1943, in Trenton, Tennessee, to Oren Kernodle and Jessie Lorene Ward Kernodle. She was a graduate of Bradford High School, Class of 1961, and dedicated her life to being a loving homemaker and caring for her family. On December 29, 1962, she married the love of her life, Billy Gene Pennington. As a devoted Navy wife, Patsy embraced the opportunity to travel and make memories with her family throughout the years.

Patsy found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She loved flowers and gardening, cross-stitching, and getting lost in a good book. Family beach trips were among her favorite traditions, though fall was her favorite season of all. She enjoyed peaceful naps with her beloved Shih Tzu, Posie, and remained a lifelong fan of the University of Memphis Tigers. Above all, Patsy treasured her family, and her grandchildren were truly the greatest joy of her life. The love she shared with them will remain a cherished part of their memories for years to come.

Patsy is survived by her two daughters, Angela Capshaw (Lee Rendall) of Arlington, Tennessee, and Melissa Pennington of Oakland, Tennessee; one sister, Betty Lester of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren, Cassidy Erin Owens (Jeff) of Kenhorst, Pennsylvania, Savannah Rae Capshaw of Memphis, Tennessee, and Jacob Carter Capshaw (Sofia) of Arlington, Tennessee; and two great-grandchildren, River and Kenna.

In addition to her beloved husband, Billy Gene Pennington, Patsy was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Margaret Powell, Joann Grear, and Brenda Drane; and one brother, Don Kernodle.

Graveside services for Ms. Pennington will be held Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Fayette County Memorial Park on Highway 64.

The family requests that memorials be made to the ASPCA in Patsy’s memory.

Patsy will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her love of life’s simple joys, and the special place she held in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her memory will forever bloom in the hearts of her family, just like the flowers she so dearly loved.