Elizabeth Bailey Charles Pennington

Elizabeth Bailey Charles Pennington was born February 14, 1929, to James and Elsie Bailey in Wilmington, Delaware.  She transitioned to her heavenly home on February 24, 2022.  “She Did It Her Way”....  She transitioned at her home of 64 years in her bed with her daughter at her side.

She was educated in New Castle County Public Schools, attended Howard High School, and graduated from Lincoln Preparatory School in Philadelphia, PA.

She had a brief marriage to Thomas Charles of Buttonwood, Delaware.  Later,  in 1957, she married George Pennington, Jr.  She had one daughter, Virginia Bailey, by birth, and became “bonus Mother” to Gloria Rashada and George Pennington, III.

She grew up in St. Paul, UAME Church. She was a praying woman who read her Bible faithfully which offered her a strong foundation for the work in service to others that she performed most of her life, even into her last year of life. Her volunteer work began in 1957 with Birthright in Wilmington, DE.  She continued to support the organization financially until the present.  The Special Olympics was one of her favorite charities.  She was a member of the Senior Mite Missionaries and served on the Executive Board of the Sisterhood Society of the UAME Conference, 4th Episcopal District.  She enjoyed planning banquets and also helped to prepare food for different occasions.  She was president of Church Women United of Delaware and Maryland Upper Shore.

She began her more than 60 years of service to Prince Hall affiliated orders in 1957.  She was Past Grand Worthy Matron of Delaware, Order of the Eastern Star.  Fannie Brice, No. 5, Most Royal Grand Court of Cyrenes, bestowed upon her the title of Past Royal Grand Commandress.  In the Alberta Gaines #3 Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, she was Past Royal Grand Perfect Matron. In the Heroines of Jericho, she was Past Most Ancient Grand Matron.  She was an active member of both Saukim Court #54 Delaware Assembly #43 Order of The Order of the Golden Circle and the Imperial Court of the DOI.

She enjoyed classical music, jazz and playing her organ.  She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and bowling.  She was a member of a traveling bowling league.  She enjoyed travel, festivals, museums and spending time with family and friends. She had “house parties”, and hosted Pokeno parties. Her travels took her to Canada, Jamaica, Bermuda, & Greece.

She was predeceased by her husband, George Pennington, Jr., Gloria Pennington Rashada (daughter), George Pennington, III (son), D’Artagnion R. Pope (grandson), and Cari A. Brown-Hawley (bonus granddaughter).

She leaves to cherish her memory:  Virginia Pope (daughter), Nina E. Harley (Lane) (granddaughter), Bayyinah N. Cunningham (granddaughter), Maya N. Cunningham (great-granddaughter), Omar Rashada (grandson), Elizabeth Coleman (Juan) (goddaughter), Douglas Sudler (brother-in-law), and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and close extended family.

The family extends special thanks to close family members and extended family for their many and varied loving acts of kindness and care: Cousin Doshia, Cousin Robert, Cousin Brenda. Also, we have a deep well of thanks and gratitude for the staff at Bayada Hospice of Delaware, The Church and Staff at John Wesley-Waterbury, UMC Family, and Family and Friends for flowers, cards, calls, monetary gifts, and prayers.

A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday March 9, 2022. Service is at 11 am. Viewing will be 9-10:30am. Eastern Star Service 10:30-11 am. Interment Silverbrook Cemetery. Masks are required to be worn.

Life stream via St. Pau-l https://www.facebook.com/paul.uame for Facebook  and https://youtu.be for UTUBE