Gay Pennington

Notes:

Buried:
MOUNTAIN CITY - Gay Pennington Greer Abernathy, age 96, of Mountain City, Tennessee went to her heavenly home on Saturday evening, March 13, 2021 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s at the Mountain City Care Center. Gay was born on November 12, 1924 in Laurel Bloomery, TN to the late Noah Pennington and Minerva Gilbert Pennington, she was the 1st born of twelve children. In addition to her parents, Gay was preceded in death by her first husband Chester Greer (1981); second husband Joe Abernethy (2006); sisters, Alice Davis, Barbara McLendon; brothers, Odell, Robert, Clem, Staley, Fred, Joe, Wallace and Ivan Pennington.

Gay loved God and her family. Miss Gay, as she was known at Mountain City Care and Rehabilitation Center, was a blessing to many with her vibrant smile, caring heart and sense of humor. She was active in her community while her health allowed. Gay was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church and a lifelong supporter of the Stateline Baptist Church in the Sugar Creek area of Laurel Bloomery.

Second to her love of God and family was her love of travel. She visited all 50 states plus Canada and Mexico. While in Alaska, on a six week bus tour, she chartered a plane and flew to Point Barrow so she could be above the Arctic Circle. Gay toured the Holy Land and fell into the Jordan River. She also spent two weeks in Australia.

Gay is survived by her only child, Vance Greer and wife Iris of Mountain City, TN; step-children, Nancy Truitt and Donnie Abernethy (Diana) of Lincolnton, NC; one sister, Ina Bennett of Bristol, TN; step-grandchildren, Joel, Kristie and Jacob. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from 1-2:00 p.m. at Mountain City Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Ricky Campbell to officiate. Pallbearers will be Wade Thomas, Wayne Lewis, Gary Cobb, Terry Jordan, Jerry Jordan and Mike Morefield. Honorary pallbearers are Steve Parker, Donnie Abernethy, William Greer and Larry Ashley. Graveside service and burial will follow from Stateline Cemetery in Laurel Bloomery, TN.

Gay married Chester Vance Greer about 1942. Chester (son of Joseph Leonard Greer and Myrtle Grace Leffman) was born on 20 Dec 1921 in Johnson County, , , Tennessee; died on 1 Feb 1982 in Buncombe County, , , North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

W. Vance Greer, age 81, of Mountain City, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday morning, March 21, 2023 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. Vance was born on October 21, 1941 in Banner Elk, NC to the late Chester Greer and Nellie Gay Pennington Abernethy (March 13, 2021), In addition to his parents, Vance was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie Jean “B.J.” Greer; step-son, Joe Hux; several aunts and uncles.

Vance retired as a Geologist with Department of Interior, having worked in the pentagon. His retirement dream was to live on a golf course and play golf, which led to his home at Roan Valley and playing golf as long as he was able. He also worked for several years at the high school assisting handicapped children, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Those who knew him best would say he was smart, witty and fun to be around and there was several that stayed in touch with him throughout the years. Vance was a member of First Baptist Church and was known there by many as the candy-man, passing out candy to all.

Vance is survived by his wife of 21 years, Iris Hux Greer of Mountain City, TN; step-daughter, Lee Lewis (Wayne); sister, Karen Russo; numerous cousins and extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 11:00 a,m.-12:00 noon at Mountain City Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 with Pastors Ricky Campbell and Jim Kelly to officiate. Pallbearers will be Wade Thomas, Wayne Lewis, Mike Morefield, Robert Glenn, and Ken Erickson. Honorary pallbearers are William Greer, Rudy Lucas and David Price. Graveside service and burial will follow from Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Damascus, VA.