Shirley L. Pennington

Shirley L. Pennington, age 89, of Belle passed away Monday, February 28, 2022, at her residence.

Shirley was born July 18, 1932, in Belle, a daughter to the late Louis Amos and Adeline (Goers) Francis.

She was a 1950 graduate of Belle High School and, aside from some time living in St. Louis, a lifelong area resident.

On January 6, 1951, she was united in marriage to Jackie Pennington. He preceded her in death on November 3, 2004.

Although she worked for a short time at 2 factories in Belle, Shirley was a homemaker. It was a job she loved as she liked to be active, and it kept her busy. She sat on the Francis Cemetery board for many years.   

Shirley was a member of the College Hill Baptist Church and her hobbies included gardening, cooking and watching cooking shows, and watching westerns. Shirley was a worker and liked to help others, always putting their needs above her own. She loved running around and spending time with her best friend, Evelyn Ridenhour, but her greatest joy came from time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley will be missed greatly by her family and friends.

Shirley is survived by: four children, Craig Pennington and his wife, Georgia of Jefferson City, Kirk Pennington and his wife Ann of St. Peters, Kevin Pennington and his wife Misty of Winfield, and Christy Gehlert and her husband Butch of Belle; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and one brother, Russell Francis of St. Peters as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one infant son, Scott and five siblings, Gladys Cedarquist, Eugene Francis, Earl Francis, Jimmy Francis, and Carl Francis.

Visitation for Shirley will be on Friday, March 4, 2022 at Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with interment in the College Hill Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Francis Cemetery.