Jennifer Ann Penny lovingly known to her grandchildren as Mima, and to her closest friends as Jennie passed away in Houston, TX on June 5th, 2017 at age 73 after a difficult battle recovering from major surgery following her stroke.
She was born on 19th of July, 1943 in Farnborough, Kent, England and was preceded in death by both her parents Edith and Earnest Gregory, and her brother John Gregory. Jennifer grew up during World War II and suffered the reality of life at a young age. She lost her father at young age as a result of a tragic bicycle accident. She was also the survivor of a German bomb landing outside her mother's kitchen window which resulted in permanent hearing damage. As a child, Jennifer grew up in various areas around Kent and on a farm in Bath with supportive aunts and uncles to help take of her. She settled down in Bromley where she attended Bromley Grammar School for girls. She attended grammar school until she was 16, when her mother asked her to start working and make a living. Her brother John played a large role in her life - teaching her how to dress for work, how to bake beans on toast for dinner, and how to iron. She became a talented seamstress and had a passion for art.
She obtained a job within BP's accounting department in London where she became a successful beautiful young woman and was fortunate enough to meet her soon-to-be husband while working there. Soon after, she settled down with her loving husband Arthur Penny on 9th of September 1961 for a loving and lasting marriage of 50 years.
They lived a beautiful, fun and exciting life for a young couple who didn't have much money. Rally car races across Europe with their closest of friends, visiting St. Ives periodically to celebrate their wedding anniversary, and at holidays trekking through rain and snow with bags over their good shoes in order to not miss another family celebration with food, wine and good memories.
She became a mother in February 1968, with her first child Suzanne. Mark was born next, in November 1970 and then the family moved to Holland where they thought they would be for the rest of their lives. She gave birth to her third child, Amanda in February 1976. However, Holland was not God's plan for the family. Arthur had a transfer with the Dutch company he was working for and the family moved to the United States to live in Houston, TX in 1977.
Jennifer committed her life to her children for many years. She was Leader of Girl Scout Troop with Suzanne; supported Mark by attending every band competition throughout his high school years, and drove Amanda around the State of Oklahoma for gymnastic competitions regularly. She was always there for her children, willingly giving her support, a shoulder to cry on with unconditional love.
Jennifer spent many days playing Bridge and Mahjong which gave her great pleasure. She was also an active member of the sorority Beta Sigma Phi chapter Laureate Alpha Lota which was her extended family for many years. When she wasn't spending time with the family, playing cards or socializing, she dedicated her life to giving and supporting the church. Jennifer had a fun and active life which circled around family, friends and love. Her spirit raised the spirits of those around her and her light was always shining.
Jennifer is survived by her loving children: Suzanne Penny, Mark Penny and his wife Kimberly, Amanda Stark and her husband Paul. She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren, Allyson, Kai, Zachary and Alexander.
A memorial service will be held Saturday June 24th, 2017 at 2pm at Klein United Methodist Church 5920 Fm 2920 Rd, Spring, TX . A reception to celebrate her life will be held following the service.
The family kindly requests that any donations in lieu of flowers be donated to the church in which she was very involved in their ministries, or to Interfaith Ministries which continues to help families in need.