On Sunday afternoon, July 21st, 2024, our most cherished, Shirley Pennington passed into eternity after a brief illness. Shirley died at home surrounded by her loving family. She turned 75 on July the 19th.
The second of six children, Shirley Dean Wix was born at Garwood in 1949. Her parents were the late James Edward and Imogene Howerton Wix. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Maybell; a brother, Jesse and a nephew, Steven James Webb whom she thought of as a son.
When we her family reflect on the life of Shirley Pennington, we remember a very independent woman.
Shirley had an extremely high work ethic. Her motto, 'A woman could work any job as a man.'
She had many careers along the way. Shirley was proud to have been the first woman hired on at the Sophia City Police, Department. She went on to become the first female employee at Slab Fork Coal Company, hired on as an underground miner. She set jacks on a Wilcox Miner and stayed until the mines shut down. Her work career entailed cashier's job at Julie' Place in Beaver, she was a former EMT and security guard.
At the end of the day, Shirley was all about family. She was very involved in the care of her mother in the final years of her long life. She was blessed with two daughters, Ida Mae Miller and Teresa Compton (Jeff) all of Glen White; she was the dear sister of Jeanette Webb of Glen White, Catherine Kincaid (Jim) of Crab Orchard, Michael Wix of Soak Creek and Frankie Wix (Laura) of Beckley. She was the proud grandmother of James, Amanda, and Daniel; the great grandmother of Madalyn, Kingston and Marshall. Shirley loved family gatherings and taking little road trips on the spur of the moment.
And so now we must say goodbye. You illness was so unexpected and we are so floored by your untimely passing. We loved you but God loved you best.
On Wednesday, July 24th we gather at Melton Mortuary Chapel to say our final goodbyes for Shirley. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12 noon. There will be a graveside service at 1:00pm in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens at Prosperity . The Rev. Larry Cochran will be officiating. The honor of carrying Shirley to her final rest is Jeff Bowling, Frankie Wix, Michael Wix, Herman Sturgill, Daniel Miller and James Compton. Amanda Compton will serve as honorary pallbearer. Those wishing to attend the graveside services are asked to meet at Melton Mortuary by 12:30 pm.