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Generation X: Helen Horne & Mitchell Clayton Penley

Obituary for Helen Horne Penley

Obituary for Helen Horne Penley

Helen Horne Penley, 93, passed peacefully in her sleep on September 17, 2016, while in ICU at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, Florida.  Helen was born in Nickelsville, Virginia in 1922, the daughter of Jesse Frank Horne and Bess Ramey Horne.  Mitchell Penley, her cherished husband of 54 years passed away in 2001. Earlier this year she lost her beloved daughter Priscilla Frazee following a sudden illness.  

A service will be held at First Christian Church of Titusville on Wednesday, September 21, at 11:00 AM.  She will be buried next to her beloved Mitchell at East Lawn Cemetery in Kingsport on Saturday, September 24. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church of Titusville. 

Mitchell and Helen were married in 1946. They left their home in Kingsport, TN in 1956, moving to Brevard County, FL to join the Space Race.  Helen was a founding member of the First Christian Church of Titusville and helped steer the church through its early fledgling years. She remained a dedicated member since its inception in 1957, teaching the same Sunday school class for more than 30 years.  

She worked for Brevard Public Schools for more than two decades. Her time spent at Pinewood Elementary teaching remedial reading was one of her most rewarding positions.  Helen was a kind and loving caregiver throughout her husband’s illness. In happier times, she enjoyed traveling with Mitchell, gardening, and creating a loving home where friends and family were always welcome to stay for dinner.  She followed current events and was politically engaged throughout her long life, enjoying lively but respectful discussions about policies and events. She remained an Orlando Magic fan even when they broke her heart.  Her happiest moments involved time spent with her husband, daughters, grandchildren, and the church.  

Helen is survived by daughters Linda Novick, Karen Penley (Zack), Michelle Kennedy, and son-in-law David Kennedy all of Titusville. She is also survived by grandchildren Joey Zack and wife Sara Ashton of Merritt Island and Jane Zack Tavakoli and husband Kevin of Birmingham, Alabama. Her Tennessee family, which includes best friend June Hammond, sisters-in-law June Penley and Jeanette Penley and several nieces and nephews, also mourn her loss. Her brother Charles Horne and sisters Wanda Smith, Inez Mullis, Harriet Clark and Gladys Wampler preceded her in death.