Wilma Pennington

Wilma Pennington, a cherished soul born on December 12, 1954, in Hyden, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Arnold Callahan & Nancy Joseph Callahan.  She passed away on November 7, 2025, at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset, Kentucky. Wilma was 70 years old. She was a formidable presence in her community, not only through her dedicated service at Mary Breckinridge Hospital, where she committed 22 years to her profession, but also in the hearts of her family and friends who will deeply mourn her absence.

A life-long resident of Leslie and Clay counties, Wilma was a devoted member of the Big Fork Church of God at Yeaddiss, KY. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, inspiring those around her with her unwavering spirit.

Wilma possessed a multitude of interests; she enjoyed, cooking for everyone at family reunions,gardening and ginseng hunting, finding peace among nature’s bounty. An avid horseback rider, she embraced the thrill of the saddle, while also enjoying the camaraderie found in horseshoe playing. Her affinity for her beloved dog, Rico, was a testament to her nurturing nature; the bond they shared highlighted her compassion and love for all living beings. Wilma's greatest love was being involved in the lives of her family.  She cherished facetiming with Wrenleigh and for the past ten years joining with her great granchidlren, Lucas & Italy on their special "Chinese Dates".  

She is survived by her cherished son, Elhanan Pennington of Manchester, KY; her two cherished daughters, Phyliss Lewis and Tracy Lewis, both of Manchester, KY; her brothers, Belve Callahan of Yeaddiss, KY, and Kelly Callahan of Wooton, KY; and her sister, Phyliss Richardson of Whitesburg, KY. Wilma also leaves behind five treasured grandchildren: Justin Lewis, Covie Lewis, Candace Sizemore and her husband Steven, Dafinie White and her husband Jason, and Cameron Pennington and El. Special Nieces and nephew she helped raise: James Callahan, J. B. Callahan, Marilyn Couch, Amanda Callahan, Roger Dean Gross, Sarah Lynn and many Others.

Wilma is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Nancy Joseph Callahan, her  loving and devoted husband, James A. Pennington, whose memory she carried with great affection. She also mourned the loss of her son, Eugene Pennington, and her siblings: Marilyn Callahan, Christine Kilbourne, James, Monroe, Warner, Kelly Monroe, Clemmie and her special niece, Heather Callahan Hall.

Wilma Pennington leaves behind a legacy rich in love, laughter, and a vibrant community spirit. She will be remembered for her kindness, her dedication to her family, and the indelible mark she made on all who were fortunate enough to know her. As we reflect upon her life, may we carry forward her passion for connection, nature, and unwavering faith. You may send your condolences to the family on our website.

Funeral services for Wilma Pennington will be held at 12:00 Noon - Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 at the Dwayne Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Henry Deaton and Chris Kilbourne officiating. Burial will follow in the Pennington Family Cemetery located at Manchester (Gum Holler Rd.) , KY. 

Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. Monday- Nov. 10, 2025 at the funeral home Chapel.  The following will serve as pallbearers, Steven Sizemore, Elhanan Pennington, Lucas Sizemore, Covie Lewis, Justin Lewis, Cameron Pennington, Jason White & James Callahan.  We invite you to leave your condolences to the Pennington family on our website.