Generation IX: Stella Mae Lowe & Rufus Asbury Penley
Rufus & Stella's Children
Penley Generation X: Rufus and Stella Penley's Children
Sufficient words were scarce for Rufus and Stella's generation, for this generation adequate words don't exist. They loved us dearly and made us who and what we are.Rufus and Stella had five children:
1. Georgia Marie Penley (infant death, 1919 or 1920)
2. Luther Alvin Penley (July 5, 1921 ~ January 25, 1982)
3. Evelyn Dolphine Penley (born February 17, 19XX)
4. Mitchell Clayton Penley (February 7, 1925 ~ November 16, 2001)
5. Billie Jeanette Penley (born October 28, 19XX )
Uncle Luther married our beloved Aunt June, Julia June Fields on July 29, 1942. Aunt June was born on November 25, 19XX, she was the daughter of John Wesley Fields and Mary Belle Stapleton. They built a home adjoining Rufus and Stella's property on Long Street. They tragically lost three young sons, but somehow found the inner strength to raise their loving family. Luther was as an Army Medic in World War II, 12th Armored Division, 82nd Battalion, Company C and worked at the Eastman for 41 years.
Our Aunt Dot is Evelyn Dolphine Penley, she married Uncle Paul on August 11, 1944. Paul Thomas Lyon (April 1, 1926 - May 5, 2009) the son of Henry Rufus Lyon and Bertie Caroline Bailee. They built their home nearby on Dora Street on land where Mitch and Helen began building before they moved to Florida. Uncle Paul retired from Eastman after more than 30 years.
Our Dad, Mitchell Clayton Penley married our dear and beloved Mother, Helen Frankie Horne on December 21, 1946. Helen was the daughter of Jesse Frank Horne and Bessie Jane Ramey of Nickelsville, Virginia. Mitch was a World War II Marine, and you know there's more information to come on those two.
Our Aunt Jeet, Billie Jeannette Penley still resides in the family home on East Carters Valley Road. She cared mightily for Rufus in his later years. In every way imaginable she contributed to the upbringing of her sixteen nieces and nephews. In fact, she's still working on us! She worked at Tennessee Eastman until retirement. She never met a jewel she didn't like, that must be because she is the family jewel.
The beat goes on. When Jane's bank sent her to Kingsport in 2007, she became especially good buddies with Aunt Jeet and David. She learned just why Aunt June, Aunt Dot and Aunt Jeet were always so special to us. Mike, Jennifer, David, Travis and Lyla moved her in, Jill gave her furniture, and Claudi and Reta made sure she knew she was under the family wing. You know Mitch was smiling down.