Betty Lynette Bowles Pennington

Betty Lynette Bowles Pennington, age 80, went to sleep in Jesus Thursday, January 29, 2026. She was born January 31, 1945, in Phenix City, Alabama to the late Robert J Bowles and Gussie Mae Yawn Bowles.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Willene Hetrick and one nephew.

She is survived by her husband, best friend, and work companion of 60 years, Elmer Stanley Pennington; two daughters, Lynette Downing (Charles) and Martha Schultz (Richard); seven grandchildren, Matthew Kolkmann (Heidi), Emily Kolkmann (Brandon Harrington), Douglas Downing (Casey), Jonathan Kolkmann (Elizabeth), James Downing (Kayla Bentley), Andrew Kolkmann (Brittany), Adian Schultz; seven great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Anna and Amelia Downing, Oliver and Everett Harrington, Anthony and Baby Girl (June 2026) Kolkmann; three brothers, Ken Bowles (Paulette), Phil Bowles (Jeanette), Larry Bowles (Julie); sister, Anna Marie Flemming (Ted); eight nieces and nephews; one aunt Susie Cravey; and many cousins.

She had been battling cancer for 3 years with the last two weeks being the worst part. She went to high school at Pine Forest Academy in Alabama and then Southern University in Collegedale, Tennessee where she met and married the love of her life. They married on August 22, 1965.

She was a home economics teacher at Little Creek Academy in Knoxville, TN (now Heritage Academy in Crossville, TN) for three years. She worked for Zerdan’s of Hickory in alterations and was self-employed in the lawn business for 35 years where she worked with Stanley.

She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, painting, gardening, canning, flowers, and just about anything that could make beauty.

She was a lifelong member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and a member of the Lenoir Seventh-Day Adventist Church for 50 years. She enjoyed working with the church youth in Sabbath School, Vacation Bible School, Adventure Club, and Pathfinder Club.

Besides working outdoors, she loved camping and canoeing. She worked with local food pantries and with Adventist Disaster in Statesville for the hurricane victims.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Lenoir Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 4:00 p.m. The family will receive family and friends one hour prior.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.