Jean Fisher Penninger

Jean Fisher Penninger, 92, passed from this life to the next in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 2, 2023. She passed in her home with her devoted family close by. Jean was an incredibly strong woman, even until the very end. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Jean was born on March 5, 1930, to the late Elbert Ray Fisher and Lucy Lee Eudy Fisher. Jean was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She married the late Lester Monroe Penninger on October 23, 1949, in Chesterfield, SC.

Lester and Jean were married for 62 years and welcomed 2 children, Charles Lester Penninger, wife Robin Auman Penninger, and Pamela Penninger Allman; and like a son, Jerry Smith, Jean’s nephew. Jean has 7 grandchildren: Amber Penninger Canaan, husband Michael Canaan; Ellen Cleary-Penninger, husband Brendon Cleary; Sarah Penninger Altman, husband Pete Altman III; Thomas Ray Penninger, partner Michelle Burnette; Darrell Lee Allman, wife Emily Lewis Allman; Hannah Grace Penninger, partner Jeferson Lima; and Brittany Ann Allman. Jean has 10 great-grandchildren: Evan Gabriel Canaan, Lindia Alee Canaan, Sawyer Monroe Altman, Darian Charles Canaan, Quinn Maida Penninger Cleary, Annabelle Renee Altman, Julian Zachary Canaan, Ian Kai Penninger Cleary, Wyatt Monroe Allman, and Colton Lee Allman.

As a young woman, Jean worked at Kirk's Dry Cleaners and later Penn Carol Hosiery Mill until she became a teacher's assistant, leading her to pursue her love of childhood education. She graduated from UNCC with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and began teaching in 1972. She later returned to complete her Master's degree. She taught at Cabarrus County Schools for 22 years until she retired in 1994. Soon after retiring, Jean and Lester took off on a cross-country adventure, making a big loop from coast to coast around the country with Jean's sister, Betty, and her husband, Wick.

Jean loved her family more than anything. Her home and her arms were always open, warm, and welcoming. She spent her life teaching and taking care of others. She was a teacher through and through and even inspired her daughter, Pam, to become a teacher and inspire and impact the lives of children for another 31 years. Much to her children's and grandchildren's enjoyment, Jean enjoyed baking. Her most memorable recipes included homemade sourdough bread, pies, cobblers, and cinnamon rolls; she also enjoyed teaching her daughter and granddaughters how to cook, bake, and sew. She loved spending time at Lake Tillery and camping with Lester yearly at the Outer Banks for the whole month of October to celebrate their anniversary. Jean made an impact on the lives of all she knew. She was the epitome of kindness, caring, and love, radiating to all those around her.

In addition to her husband and parents, Jean was preceded in death by her brother Larry Ray Fisher. She is survived by her sister, Betty Lee Fisher Harkey, husband Willis “Wick” Eugene Harkey, both children, and all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The visitation will be held on Sunday, February 5th, from 3:00 to 5:00 at Gordon Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant. The funeral will be held on Monday, February 6th, at 2:00 at Bethel Bear Creek Reformed, where she was a well-loved and respected member for many years.

The family is planning to wear bright colors and floral patterns in celebration of Jean, and they invite everyone to do the same. Jean loved to wear bright pinks, blues, and greens, and the family encourages everyone to wear anything you think would make her smile.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Stanly and Uwharrie, who came in each week with so much love and care.

Thank you to all of her friends, family, and neighbors who checked in on Jean throughout the years. She appreciated that more than you know.