Mary Penny

On the morning of May 29, 2015, Mary Peggy Penny of District Heights, Maryland passed away at the Prince Georges County Hospital Center in Cheverly, Maryland. She was 66.

Mary P. Penny was born in Washington, D.C. on April 22, 1949. Growing up in a 12 member family, she was compelled to redeem soda bottles to help support the household. Entering into her teen years, she began working odd jobs to help out but never waived her devotion to complete school. In 1967, she graduated from Cardoza High School in Washington, D.C. As an adult, Mary led a life of fierce perseverance and unrivaled determination. She was an active member of the religious community for many years and served in a myriad positions within the church. Although faced with the challenge of raising three children on a single income, Mary always found a way. She worked various jobs in the healthcare industry and government during the 1970s and 80s and inspired her children to assume important roles, in government, the military, and the commercial sector. In the mid-1990s, Mary was inspired to go back to school and continue her education while raising her youngest daughter, Katrina. She worked during the day, dedicated several hours in the evening to help her youngest daughter with homework, then went to school at night. She took several breaks from school in the late 1990s to deal with personal matters but never gave up on her goal of obtaining a higher education. In the early 2000’s, her desire to continue her education was re-ignited and after almost 15 years since she began her educational pursuit, it finally paid off. In January 2010, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of the District of Columbia.

Over the years, Mary has worked a host of jobs in the Washington, D.C. Metro area to include that of a Nurse’s Assistant, a Teacher’s aide, and a Counselor for inner city youth. She dedicated most of her life serving and inspiring success in others and never waived her pursuit of a higher education and career advancement.

She is survived by her brothers, Charles Penny and Lawrence Penny and sisters: Elnora Penny, Lillian D. Penny, Madeline Penny, and Geneva Penny. She is also survived by her two sons: Clarence and Gary, and grandchildren: Talika, Bianca, and Chiyanne. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Charles and Louise Penny, her brothers: Alfred, Frank, William, and Eddie Penny and her beautiful daughter, Katrina Fisher.

*Mary recently completed all of the requirements for a Master of Arts in Counseling from Strayer University and will be posthumously awarded her degree this fall.