Betty Louise (Wilson) Pennington

Words of Reflections

Betty Louise Wilson Pennington, the matriarch of the Wilson - Quinn family, transitioned on February 9, 2021. She was the 2nd child and 1st daughter of Tommie Wilson and Louise Quinn Wilson.  Her beginnings were humble, being born on a plantation in Inverness, Mississippi, June 25, 1941. The family earned its living from sharecropping, and at an early age she was required to work in the cotton fields until she left the South.

When Betty was 16 years old, she had moved with her father to Michigan. In 1958, her mother and siblings left Inverness and relocated to Kansas City, Kansas. Later, at her mother’s request, Betty joined the family in Kansas, where she resided the rest of her life. She was a 2nd mother to her younger siblings and worked to help support them.

Through her job at Carpenters Nursing Home located in Kansas City, MO, Betty was trained as a nurses’ aide and acquired knowledge of the medical field and patient care. That remained her occupation for many years until her marriage to Lonnell Pennington in October 1976. Thereafter, her full-time job became homemaker. She also served as caregiver and babysitter for many of her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and others. They affectionately referred to her as Mama, Grandma, Aunt Betty, or Aunt Bet Bet.

Life was Betty’s to enjoy. Once upon a time she was very beautiful and always liked to look good. People were drawn to her because of her zest for life, her kind and generous spirit and easy-going personality. Helping others gave her pleasure. She was a good listener, confidante and provider of food and shelter to those who had no place to go. Whether a person was in her home just to visit or lodging temporarily, she welcomed them. Because she was a free spirit and believed in the principle of live and let live, she judged no one, though she was often judged. Betty lived life her way!

In 2009, came the cancer diagnosis. Although the medical professionals often painted dismal pictures, they were continuously amazed at her resilience. Old school toughness and a will to survive, allowed her to fight a good fight! She was also blessed to have had a loving and devoted grandson, Lee and sister, Charlie who were constant and selfless caregivers in her life. Even during her years of sickness, Betty was still loving, kind, hospitable and an independent thinker.

As a child in Mississippi, Betty was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior. After moving to Kansas City, she became a member of St. John Baptist Church and served as an usher. Later she worshipped at New Hope Full Gospel Church. Although she had not attended church for a long time because of her health, she loved the Lord and always thanked Him for the grace and mercy present in her life.

Those who preceded her in death include, parents: Tommie Wilson and Louise Johnson; husband: Lonnell Pennington; son: David Wilson; grandchildren: Katina Wilson, Charles (Anthony) Wilson, and Marshall Lee Williams, Jr.; siblings: John Wilson, Tommie Lee Wilson, Willie D. Wilson, LT Wilson, and Lucille Stewart.

Memories of Betty will continually be cherished by her children: Mamie Trezvant, Deborah Williams, and John Wilson (Ramona); grandchildren: Theodore, Kelly, Kenneth Jr., DeShawn, Mandrell, Andre, Ray, John Jr., Janan, Rashael and Misty; siblings: Charlie Mae Sessoms, Rosie Quinn, Robert Quinn, and Rutha Wilson Dwight; a special friend: Jim McElroy; a special companion: Bubble; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Goodnight Betty, our Queen!

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