
She was born April 6, 1932 in Potter, Arkansas to the late Alvin Powell and Annie Horton Powell. Mrs. Thomas loved to babysit in the 60’s and 70’s and later moved on to buying and selling at her flea market. Penny enjoyed baking, fishing, and going to yard sales. She loved being outside, especially going on drives through the country looking for muscadines. Penny enjoyed playing games in her free time, Yahtzee and Skipbo were two of her favorites. She was a faithful member of the Union Mission Pentecostal Church of God and she loved giving back to people. She was the most loving, caring, trusting person you would ever want to meet and will be dearly missed by a host of friends and family.
She is survived by: son: Terry Ketchum of Mena, AR; daughters: Glenda Lambert and husband Buddy of Mena, AR, Beverly Sudermann and husband James of Cocoa, FL; grandchildren: Brandy Sparks, Cade Lambert, Tyse Lambert, Gage Lambert and wife Sarah, and Peter Sudermann; Great Grandchildren: Willow, Ayden, and Owain Sparks and Alice Lambert; sisters: Betty Myers of Mena, AR, Bonnie Matthews of Pinon, CA; brother: Tommy Powell of Rollin Heights, CA; stepchildren: Rose Fairless and husband Calvin, Anita Thomas, Candace Casey, Jean Dohrn, Marion Thomas, and Tom Thomas and wife Linda.; step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin Powell and Annie Horton Powell; husband, Alfred Thomas; and brothers, Ray, Marvin and Joe Powell, sisters, Mildred McLain and Lorene Cagle.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 25th at 10 a.m. at Union Mission Pentecostal Church of God in Mena, Arkansas with Brother Lewis Martin officiating. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Cemetery under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Dale McLain, Billy Joe McLain, Buddy Lambert, Tyse Lambert, Gage Lambert, and Cade Lambert. Honorary Pallbearer is Roger Myers. There will be a scheduled visitation Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Beasley Wood Chapel.
Mask and gloves will be provided by the family and must be worn if attending the service.
Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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