Penny Willey

[Guest Nicole]

Penny was born in Los Angeles, CA at Queen of Angels Hospital on October 7, 1941 to Russel De Witt Willey and Mary Margaret Will (nee) Willey. She passed away at Renown in Reno, NV due to complications from a chronic illness.

You couldn't describe my mom without commenting on her red lipstick, her rosy cheeks and her infectious, 1000 watt smile. We couldn't go anywhere without running into someone who knew her. It became an event: "How are you? How is your family? And the children? The pets?" On and on… she wanted to know everything because she was interested. She was interested in people because she loved people, and she loved people because she loved her God, Jehovah. Her love for God touched every part of her life, shaped her personality, and motivated her to spend hours in the Christian ministry. She probably knocked on your door…more than once. Penelope Anne Willey, affectionately known as Penny by those who loved her, was a humble and modest woman whose love knew no bounds. Her presence brought light and warmth to anyone who knew her. You just knew that she loved you.

And her loved extended to all of God's creation. She would go out of her way to save a spider or an ant from certain peril; she rescued and cared for animals of all sorts; she went out of her way to say hello to your dog or cat.

Penny had a curious mind and an active interest in all that was going on around her. She spent hours in the public library, reading "Popular Science". She loved to sing and to laugh and spend time with her friends.

Penny's motto in life was taken from the scripture at Acts 20:35 which says "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." Penny believed this with all of her heart. She always said that she found permanent happiness by living her life in this way and by serving Jehovah God. Penny wanted everyone to find the same joy and purpose that she had found. Her hope and faith were strong. She faced her illness with bravery and the confidence that she will be reunited with all who love her in a paradise earth. Penny was loved by many, loved many, and will be missed.

Penny is preceded in death by her parents and twin brother James De Witt Willey.

She is survived by her daughter Gwendolyn J. Willey and step-brothers Al and Carson Kalin of Brawley, CA.

A Memorial will be held at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1325 Herbert Ave. South Lake Tahoe, CA on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 3:30 pm. Your presence at the memorial would be appreciated in lieu of gifts or flowers.

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