Florence Chester Penley

Florence Chester Penley, 89, of the Brian Center Viewmont went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 following a period of declining health. She was born in Burke County, NC on June 2, 1917 and was a daughter of the late Lindsey L. Chester and Essie Mae Lingle Chester. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Laymon Penley; a son, Carl Vester Penley; daughters, Delores Penley and Mabel Brookshire; three brothers; and three sisters. Mrs. Penley was an avid gardener, enjoyed cooking; and loved her church, Antioch Baptist Church.

Surviving are sons, William Penley and his wife, Laura Ann, of Drexel and Lester Penley of Valdese; daughters, Irene Burns and her husband, Frank of Newton, Wilma Smith, and Wanda Wellman both of Morganton; brothers, Albert "Al" Chester, Howard Chester, Maynard Chester, and Ronald Chester; sisters, Faye Witcher, Sue Fruittcher, and Lucille Isaacs; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2007, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Clarence Porrell officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 11:00 until 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Baptist Church, 2441 Antioch Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.