Frances Ross Pennington

FREANCES, ROSS, VANCE PENNINGTON, a retired Baltimore City Educator died peacefully at her home Thursday, June 19, 2015. The long time Ashburton Resident was 89 years old. Born Frances Ross Vance in Columbia, South Caroline, she was the daughter of Frank and Wilhelmina Vance. She grew up in Columbia, South Carolina where she received her childhood education. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, South Carolina in 1942. After graduation, she attended South Carolina State University, formerly known as South Carolina State College, graduating in 1946 with a B.S> degree in Business Administration. She later attended New York University, Johns Hopkins University and Morgan State University for advanced studies in her field. In 1973, she received a Master of Education with a concentration in Psychological Counseling and Guidance from Loyola University, formally known as Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. During her extensive education career, she had an impact on hundreds of students, many of whom achieved great success in their professions. Her students often recognized and greeted her. Frances was well known for her kindness and generosity to everyone; she deeply cared for family and friends. All who met Frances admired her flair for dress and her meticulous, stunning appearance. She enjoyed an active lifestyle and spent summers traveling. She played bridge and was the winner of many trophies as an outstanding bowler. She also received the Mayor's citation for work in the soup kitchens. Frances was a lover and connoisseur of flowers. She took great pride in gardening and planted the most beautiful flowers one would ever want to see. Along with Vernon, her soul mate, and confidante, they shared the responsibility of planting the vegetable garden in the back yard, which by the way, would yield endless amounts of pole beans. Frances became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc in 1946. In 1960 she was presented the Golden Life Member award from the Baltimore Alumni Chapter. She was a life member of the NAACP and Optomtric Associations, active member of the Baltimore CARATS and Alpha Wives. Frances and Vernon joined Heritage United Church of Christ in 2005. There she was a member of the Women's Guild and they both were very supportive of the student's scholarship program at the church. Frances loved her husband Vernon, who preceded her in death on June 18, 2013. Family always came first with Frances. She leaves to mourn: her daughter, Paula Pennington Bethea; stepson, Leonard Pennington both of Baltimore; sister, Lutherine Vance Smith of Columbia, South Carolina; two nieces, Paulette Boyd Williams of Columbia, South Carolina and Reavelle Boyd Stephenson of Atlanta, Georgia; cousin, Pauline Douglas of Knoxville, Tennessee; two sisters-in-law, Ruby Coleman of Chester, Pennsylvania and Elsie Best of Newark, New Jersey; brother-in-law, Johnny Pennington of Vienna, Maryland; devoted friends, Lee, Dee and David Macer and Cynthia Webb; three wonderful caretakers, Felicia Harrell, Devere McClary and Patricia Harris; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

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Frances Ross Pennington

October 22, 1925 - June 19, 2015