Mary Lee Pennington

Mary Lee Pennington of Hyden, Kentucky was born on November 10, 1939, in Bowling Town of Buckhorn, Kentucky to the union of the late Joey and Beatrice Engle Morris. 

After graduating high school, Mary pursued her education at business school, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in business. Her professional life began as a bookkeeper at the old Mary Breckinridge Hospital in Hyden, after which she took on the role of bookkeeper for the Lewis Market for Johnny & Bernice Lewis. In the late 1970s, she and her husband, Chris Pennington, founded Pennington Tire & Market, a venture that brought much success for over four decades due to their shared commitment and resilience to the business.

Mary’s greatest pride and joy came from her family. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Cheryl Pennington Harvey (Ervin) of Sandyville, West Virginia, and a loving grandmother to her three grandsons, Shawn Potter of Hyden, Kentucky, Joel Harvey of Sandyville, West Virginia, and Cullen Pennington of Hyden, Kentucky. Her great-granddaughter, River Alexandria Potter, brought her immense happiness. Mary poured her heart into nurturing and supporting her children and grandchildren, always present on the sidelines or in the bleachers, cheering them on in every endeavor.

Mary Lee Pennington was deeply rooted in her faith as a devout Christian and dedicated member of Hyden Baptist Church, where she selflessly served as treasurer for 38 years. She received Jesus Christ as her Lord and was baptized on April 19, 1953, at Mayfield Baptist Church in Middletown, Ohio. After her return to Hyden in the early 1970s, she was rebaptized on April 1st, 1973, as a testament to her unwavering faith and commitment to her church.

Beyond her professional accomplishments and devotion to her family, Mary had a zest for life that included traveling throughout the United States with her husband, Chris, and family friends. She also loved spending time at her lake house, where she created lasting memories with family and friends.

Mary passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, August 14, 2025 in Charleston, West Virginia.  Mary was 85 years old. 

Mary is survived by her daughter Cheryl and her grandchildren, as well as her siblings: two brothers, Samuel Morris (Gerri) of Vallonia, Indiana, and Daniel Morris (Connie) of Columbus, Indiana; and two sisters, Mae Morris of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Francina Fulkerson of Austin, Indiana. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and numerous friends and members of her church family also continue to cherish her memory.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Joel and Beatrice Morris; her husband Chrisley Pennington; her son, Tim Pennington; an infant brother, Jerry Morris; a brother, Joe Leslie Morris; and a sister, Molly Whitcomb.

The funeral service to commemorate the life of Mary Lee Pennington will be held at 11a.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home with her pastor, Rev. Roger Wolfe officiating.

Interment will follow in the Pennington Cemetery at Wolf Creek with Shawn Potter, Jowl Harvey, Cullen Pennington, Mike Adkins, Jason Wolfe, Pearl Pennington, Josh Morris, and Dana Campbell serving as pallbearers.

Friends and family may gather for visitation from 5p.m. until 7p.m. Tuesday evening, August 19th at Wolfe & Sons chapel. 

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home