Dr. Vernon Pennigton O.D.

Vernon Pennington, O.D. was born in Baltimore, Maryland to Mary Pennington and Allen Jackson. He grew up in Vienna, Maryland where he received his childhood education. He graduated second in his class from St. Claire Lane High School in Cambridge, Maryland in 1944. After graduation, he attended Morgan State College, (now Morgan State University), graduating in 1949. After graduating from Morgan, Vernon entered Pennsylvania State College Optometry, graduating in 1955 with a degree of Doctor of Optometry. At the onset, since his graduation from the School of Optometry, Vernon has been the consummate professional rendering expert service to his patients and contributing significantly to the health and well-being of many persons and advancing the goal of vision conservations, especially in the Baltimore area. As an optometrist, Vernon has developed a thriving and innovative practice whose special attributes entailed throughout examinations, a comprehensive patient vision awareness program and a sick and shut-in visitation program which took him to patients who were unable to visit his office. Further, he initiated a personal program to provide affordable vision care for the indigent. His concern for the poor also led him along with Dr. Thomas Jones, a noted Black Ophthalmologist to establish an Eye Clinic for the less fortunate at the Old Provident Hospital. Education and the practice of Optometry were interrupted by duty in the service of the United States Army. Following Basic Training, Vernon was pinned Second Lieutenant and served his duty at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii. After receiving an honorable discharge, he remained in the active Army Reserves for more than twenty-five years, from which he retired as Lieutenant Colonel in 1897. Fellow Optometrists have elected Vernon to the offices of First Vice-President. In this important role, he was able to assist in the establishment of the Optometric Center of Maryland. Vernon held membership in the Baltimore Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association and the National Optometric Association. He was a member of the Urban League, life member of the NAACP, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for more than sixty years where he served as treasurer for twenty years. Finally, as an example of spiritual accomplishment, he was a member of Sharp Street United Methodist Church since 1959, and has served as a Trustee of Sharp Street where he was honored in November, 1988. Five years ago Vernon became a member of Heritage United Church of Christ. Vernon was a family oriented individual who attributes his achievements to his deceased mother, Mary Pennington. He is survived by: his devoted wife of fifty-four years, Frances Ross Vance Penington; one son, Leonard Pennington; one daughter, Paula Pennington Bethea; (a grandson who preceded him in death, Charles Pennington); two sisters, Ruby Coleman of Chester, Pennsylvania and Elsa Best of Newark, New Jersey; one brother, Johnny Pennington of Vienna, Maryland; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Dr. Vernon Pennigton O.D.

July 31, 1928 - June 18, 2012