AULANDER, NC – CeCelia Patricia Penwell, age 76, of Millennium, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, July 5, 2021 at the Sentara Albemarle Medical Center of Elizabeth City, NC.
Patricia was born on December 19, 1944 to Percy Lee and Margaret Williford Mitchell in Bertie County, North Carolina. Patricia was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was a registered nurse and enjoyed taking care of others as long as her health permitted. Patricia was a woman of God who loved and lived by His Word. She was a role model for her family and all that knew her. She spent thirty years as a registered nurse and took care of lots of mothers and babies in labor and delivery during her career. In her later years she became wheelchair bound but that never stopped her from reaching out to others.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings; Sidney Mitchell, Wilson Mitchell, Lenora Hughes, Jo Sharion Winn, and Julia Dixon.
Left to cherish Patricia’s memory is her son, Edward “E. Lee” Penwell and wife Deborah of South Mills; daughter, Margie Penwell of Aulander; two grandsons, Sebastian Rubio-Torres, and Cameron Penwell; granddaughter, Emma Penwell; two sisters, Winnifred Mitchell of Aulander, and Stella Hofler and husband Willie of Gatesville; brother, Julius Mitchell; and brother-in-law, Thomas Winn.
The family will receive friends Friday, July 9, 2021, from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel-Aulander, Aulander, NC and other times at the home she shared with her sister, Winnifred Mitchell.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 10:00 am at the Aulander Baptist Church, Aulander, NC, with Rev. Phil Terry and Rev. E. Lee Penwell, officiating. Burial will follow at Aulander Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 554, Ahoskie, NC, 27910 or online by clicking here
Garrett-Sykes Aulander Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Penwell family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting garrettsykesfs.com.
Ms. Patricia was one of the most kindest souls I’ve ever met. My deepest condolences to the family and all that had the pleasure of knowing her.
Patricia and I worked as RN’s at Bertie Memorial in the 70’s/early 80’s.She is one of the few I remember.We worked hard but enjoyed what we did
I grew up in St. Johns and had a lot of memories of the Mitchell family and all the children. Wilson brought Patricia to see me in Richmond in 2000 when he was staying with me and receiving medical treatments at MCV. It was so good to see her and laugh together about all the craziness we’d been involved in growing up. I never got to see her again. I’m sorry to learn she has passed, but I know she loved the Lord, and she is in that beautiful place, that we all aspire to. My condolences to the family and friends of Patricia. She was a lovely person, classmate, and childhood friend.
Enjoy heaven sweet lady you will be missed by many on earth. Prayers going up for your family and friends.
E. Lee, Margie, The Grand babies, and the Rest of The Penwell Family, our hearts are saddened by your loss. May You BE COMFORTED BY THE LORD’S STRENGTH. Remember, The LONG ETERNITY will come, that’s much greater than this short existence here.
Much LOVE and Many Prayers,
Reesie, Ann, and Dalles
Cindy Lovegrove and her sisters Sarah (Lovegrove) Morris and Mary (Lovegrove) Felton send our sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time. The “Mitchell” family and the “Lovegrove” family shared a lot of wonderful memories together when they lived in St. John many, many years ago. May God wrap His loving arms around you and support you with strength and love.
Aunt Patricia had a very loving heart. She will be greatly missed.
I’m so sorry. Patricia was one of the sweetest kindest ladies I ever met. I always looked forward to seeing Patricia. I enjoyed our many conversations.
May the sweet memories of your laughter and humor be forever remembered with a smile and a tear of joy that we were blessed with knowing you! My first memories were of Patricia and Mack before any children. They were always so thoughtful and kind and full of love for family and friends. My heart will always have a special place for Patricia beside Jo and Julia!
i didn’t know her and only know elee through howard sutton. still it is difficult to loose some one you love and especially mom. our prayers are with you for.