Dorothy Delmar Pennington, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother “Mamadottie,” great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the remarkable age of 100.
Dorothy was born on November 6, 1924, in Eclectic, Alabama, to Hudson Barefield and Odilla (Adamson) Barefield. On June 26, 1945, she married the love of her life, the late Lt. Colonel Charles E. Pennington, in Gunter Field, Alabama. Together, they built a life marked by love, dedication, and service. Through Charles’ military career, they lived in over 30 different homes in places like Japan, Hawaii, Colorado and at many other bases throughout the United States.
A devoted homemaker, Dorothy committed herself fully to caring for her husband and raising their sons, creating a warm and nurturing home. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Richardson in Texas. Her young family always woke on Sunday mornings to hear gospel music on the stereo. She was also active at other churches and in the "Wednesday Girls" group, where she cherished the fellowship and lifelong friendships she formed.
Dorothy will be fondly remembered for her unwavering love, gentle spirit, and deep devotion to her family and faith. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the memories she leaves behind. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Dorothy is survived by her sons, Charles A. Pennington and wife, Katheryn; Richard Pennington and wife, Celeste Merrill; David Pennington and wife, Linda; Paul Pennington and wife, Heather; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; cousins, Nancy Plott and Ann Holley; and a host of other loving family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Pennington; parents, Hudson and Odilla Barefield; and brother, Frank Barefield.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at First Baptist Church Hebron, 3000 East Hebron Parkway, Carrollton, Texas 75010. Dorothy will be interred next to her husband at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211 at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral service at the church.