Betty Lynette Bowles Pennington

Pennington, Betty Lynette Bowles, 80, was born January 31, 1945, in Phenix City, A.L., and died January 29, 2026.

She attended Pine Forest Academy in M.S. and Southern University in Collegedale, T.N., where she met Elmer Stanley Pennington. They were married August 22, 1965.

She taught home economics at Little Creek Academy in Knoxville, T.N., now Heritage Academy in Crossville, T.N., for three years. She later worked in alterations for Zerdan’s of Hickory and was self-employed in the lawn business for 35 years, working alongside her husband.

She was a lifelong member of the Adventist Church and a member of the Lenoir Adventist Church for 50 years. She served with church youth ministries, including Sabbath School, Vacation Bible School, Adventure Club, and Pathfinder Club. She also worked with local food pantries and Adventist disaster relief efforts in Statesville.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Elmer Stanley Pennington; daughters, Lynette Downing (Charles) and Martha Schultz (Richard); grandchildren, Matthew Kolkmann (Heidi), Emily Kolkmann (Brandon Harrington), Douglas Downing (Casey), Jonathan Kolkmann (Elizabeth), James Downing (Kayla Bentley), Andrew Kolkmann (Brittany), and Adian Schultz; great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Anna, and Amelia Downing, Oliver and Everett Harrington, Anthony Kolkmann, and Baby Girl Kolkmann, expected June 2026; brothers, Ken Bowles (Paulette), Phil Bowles (Jeanette), and Larry Bowles (Julie); sister, Anna Marie Flemming (Ted); eight nieces and nephews; aunt, Susie Cravey; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert J Bowles and Gussie Mae Yawn Bowles; sister, Willene Hetrick; and one nephew.

She will be remembered for her faithful service to her family, church, and community.