Penelope Howell Gregory
April 19, 2018
CHARLOTTE – Penelope Howell Gregory, 77, passed peacefully with her family by her side after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease on Thursday, April 19, 2018.
Born in Atlanta on April 30, 1940, Penny was the oldest daughter of John and Kathryn Howell and spent most of her formative years in Griffin, Georgia.
A graduate of Griffin High School and Florida State University, Penny married Thomas Gregory, her high school sweetheart in 1962. They went on to have two daughters, Michelle and Kathryn. Penny’s passion for advocating for the mentally handicapped led her to a long and satisfying career with Mecklenburg County and she was recognized on many occasions for her outstanding service to this population.
Penny was predeceased by both of her parents and daughter, Kathryn. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Tom and daughter, Michelle Gregory Stevens of Lexington, SC. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Phillips and her husband, Bernard of Tallahassee, FL; two grandsons, Austin Stevens of Columbia, SC and Mitchel Stevens of the United States Army stationed abroad, as well as her three adored nieces, Charlotte and Rebecca Phillips and Kathryn Sims.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the Big Elm Skilled Nursing Facility in Kannapolis, NC and Hospice and Palliative Care – Lake Norman Team for their love and professional care for Penny.
A memorial service honoring her life will be held at the church where she spent most of her adult life, Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 1:00 PM in the Morrison Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who choose to make a donation please do so to the charity of their choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Dear Tom and Michelle,it is with great sadness that we learn of Penny's struggle with Alzheimer's disease. We will remember her as a woman of faith, grace, beauty, and strong intellect. There are so many times we shared with you all together at you Biltmore Dive and know how Penny so loved entertaining in her beautiful home ; she was a true Southern hostess! Penny was such a leader in the field of developmental disabilities and , she and Terry spent many years together at The Center for Human Development ( The Dr. Carlton Watkins Center) working to make lives better for some of our world's most fragile. We trust that you will find comfort in knowing the impact she had on so many people and that you all will cherish the memories of Penny in her best days. Terry and Jim Huntley
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Dear Tom and Michelle,
I remember the many good times spent with you and Penny.
May God be with you during this time of grief. Thoughts are with you.
Love,
Betty -
Penny, an elegant lady, will be missed by many!
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