Martha Kay Pennell

Martha “Kay” Pennell, 78, of Lenoir, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022 at Amorem Hospice in Hudson. Kay was born on October 12, 1943 to the late Jonas Colon Brittain and Martha Blackwood Brittain. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, J.D. Pennell; brother, Jonas Daniel and wife Alpha. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Allison Pennell of Hudson, Anita DeChellis and husband Dan of Pennsylvania; sister, Wanda Young and husband Fitzhugh of Vale NC, Walda Whitener and husband David of Hickory NC; grandchildren, Vivian DeChellis and Gabriel DeChellis, and numerous other relatives. A graduate of Fred T Foard High School and Appalachian State University, Kay was passionate about many things and teaching was near the very top of the list.After teaching her first two years in Key West, she taught the remaining 28 years at Hudson Elementary.Fourth grade was her favorite! And if administration would have let her teach science and North Carolina history all day, all year, she would have!After retiring, she substituted another 22 years in the Caldwell County School System, and she missed it dearly when her health forced her to slow down. Kay loved her family, and loved her cats just as much.Kay loved to travel:Ireland and Israel were her favorites.A member of College Avenue Baptist Church in Lenoir, Kay loved the Lord, and Kay loved people. A 2:00PM funeral service will be held at College Avenue Baptist Church in Lenoir on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 with Dr. Chuck Brawley officiating.The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00PM -2:00PM.Interment will follow at Whitnel First Baptist Church. The family respectfully requests masks and social distancing. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.evansfuneralservice.com. Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Kay Pennell.