Loretta May Pennock

Loretta graduated from Oak Hill High School and married her sweetheart, Frank Pennock.

Loretta and Frank enjoyed 70 years together. Primarily, Loretta was a homemaker, but enjoyed working as a teacher’s assistant at Scarbro Elementary School. Later she graduated first in her class at the Beckley Beauty Academy. She was very active serving at the Jones Avenue Church of God. She taught Adult Sunday School for many years, tirelessly researching and writing lessons each week. She loved being a choir member and especially enjoyed holiday cantatas. In 1981, she was humbled to be voted Mother of the Year, receiving a Bible she treasured. Loretta was an expert seamstress, sewing everything from prom gowns to mens’ ties. She also made dolls and cross-stitched quilts for her children and grandchildren, making time to teach her daughter to sew as well. After they retired, they traveled extensively to Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, Canada, and many other states/destinations.

Loretta dedicated her life to raising their four children. She proudly referred to us as “Her Life’s Work” and never stopped “pouring” into us. Loretta “let her light shine” and was an evangelist at heart, telling people about the love and hope of Jesus at every opportunity. She loved reading, studying and lending a helping hand to those in need. She took every opportunity to witness, encourage and pray for care-staff members. Her last words were a compliment to her caregiver. In her life, she may be credited with leading at least 7 people, of whom we know, to a commitment in Christ!

In later years, Loretta and Frank became members of the Gatewood Baptist Church. In 2017, due to their declining health, they moved to Fairfax, VA.

Loretta is predeceased by her parents John and Nellie Scarbro, brothers Clarence and Luther and sisters Edith and Eva.

She is survived by daughters; Rhonda Synder (Sam) of Cross Lanes, with grandson Chris Mahan and great grandsons Alexander and Connor; Lou Kershner (Michael) of Clifton, VA; Janie Smith (David) of Mount Hope, and grandson Matthew (Ennis); and son, Stephen Pennock (Traci), of Middletown, Ohio, and granddaughter Abigail; and Loretta’s brother, Johnny Scarbro (Emogene) of Oak Hill.

A service of remembrance will be held at 11:00, October 19, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home with Pastor Harry Fuller officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior. Interment will be at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Beckley, WV. Those who wish to remember Loretta in a special way can make donations to Gideons International.