"Mrs. Pener made my years at Rogers High School bearable. More than that, later, as a young adult struggling with the responsibilities of motherhood, working 3 part-time jobs and going to school, I was weary. Out of the blue Mrs. Pener sent by mail words of encouragement that made me sit down and cry, for I needed to read, needed to hear them in the voice that was her writing. In a word, this woman was a blessing to me, and so she fulfilled her calling as a human being.Angel Yvonne Green."
In loving memory of
Mrs. Sarah M. Pener
January 26, 1921 - June 11, 2013
Sarah McKenzie Pener, 92, of Newport, RI went gracefully into the arms of the Lord on June 11, 2013, with her devoted daughter Sarah and niece Carol by her side. She was blessed by the loving care she was given by the staff of the Grand Islander Center in Middletown and Beacon Hospice.Sarah was a self adjusted motivator who instilled inspiration among those who knew her. When she entered the nursing home in 2009 her determination led her to live a full and eventful life regardless of her environment. Her peers greatly admired her spunk, energy and attitude and enjoyed being in her presence.Sarah McKenzie Pener, affectionately called Sis, was born in Newport, RhodeIsland on January 26, 1921. She was the daughter of the late Sarah Jackson Walker and Louis Walker Sr. of Newport and the sister of the late Louis Walker Jr., Eleanor Keys and Bessie Roberts of Newport.She attended the Newport Public Schools graduating from Rogers High School in 1942 and later attended the Milgram Secretarial School. Sarah enrolled in the Womens Army Auxiliary Corps, 356 2nd Service Unit in Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky where she enjoyed serving her country and had fond memories of her military experience. She received an Honorable Discharge from WAAC on August 28, 1943.Sarah was married to the late Lt. Col. William H. Pener and they were blessed with two loving children, their daughter Sarah E. Pener of New York and Portsmouth, R.I. and their son the late William Billy Pener, Jr. of Newport, RI. As an Army family, they traveled extensively in Europe and Japan and settled in Newport, RI in the 1950s.Sarah was employed by the Newport School Department as a Guidance Clerk from September 10, 1963 to June 29, 1984. This opportunity sparked her love for working with young people, which continued throughout her years. She especially enjoyed her relationships with the staff and students, all of whom still remember her gracious smile.Her gift as a seamstress blessed her family with exquisite garments, which included gowns for her daughter's concert and stage appearances in the U.S and Europe. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Martin Luther King Center for Community Service where she lead an after school program entitled Sarahs Stitches. Under her superb direction, she delighted and entertained many young girls and boys by teaching them how to sew and balance color schemes.Sarah loved serving her community, embraced her friends and was devoted to her church family. She was a dedicated member of the Community Baptist Church in Newport, Rhode Island, where throughout the years she served on the Ministries of Trustees, Missionaries, Board of Christian Education, the Women's Ever Ready Society, as well as a member of the scholarship fund. She was a volunteer for Vacation Bible School and served on the Hospitality Committee. She was chairman of the Fund of Renewal of the American Baptist Churches, USA. Sarah was a member of the Merger Committee and Financial Secretary for the former Mt. Olivet Shiloh Baptist Churches. She received numerous awards and Certificates of Appreciation for her years of devoted and faithful service.Sarah is a Life Member of the Newport County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and a longtime member of the Newport Womens League. She was a member of the Patriot Park Enhancement Committee, and worked tirelessly to establish a permanent monument at Patriots Park in Portsmouth, Rhode Island dedicated to the First Rhode Island Regiment, The Black Regiment, who fought and died for the sake of freedom for all.In 2007, Sarah was the proud recipient of the Newport Daily News Community Service Award. She was the second of three sisters to have received this award.With Sarahs passing comes an end to an era. She, along with her late sisters Eleanor and Bessie, were lovingly referred to by family members and close friends as The Sisters. They made countless contributions to our community and they touched the hearts and lives of many, young and old. She will be forever loved and greatly missed.Sarah is survived by her devoted daughter Sarah Pener of New York and Portsmouth, RI. Her family also includes: John Keys of Cambridge, MA, Leon and Margaret Roberts of Newport, Aton Roberts and family of New Jersey, Barry Roberts and Wanda Rosario of Bronx, NY, Sean Roberts of New York, Louis and Elaine Walker III and family of Portsmouth, RI, Carol Walker and family of Newport ,RI, Frances Matthews and family of Newport, RI, Fern and John Lima of Newport, RI, Thomas and Donna Matthews of Middletown, RI, Paul and Jo Eva Gaines and family of Newport, RI. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Arlene Lyles and family and Naomi and Robert Scott all of California. She enjoyed being "Grandma Number 3" to the Scott children. Sarah was loved and cherished by a host of additional members of the Butler, Pener, Walker, Baron, and Gaines families. She welcomed Lovie and Scott Kilgore and their children as her family.Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 17, 2013 from 5:00-8:00 pm in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at 11:00 am in Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd, Newport, RI. Burial will follow in Newport Memorial Park, Middletown, RI.Donations in her memory may be made to the Community Baptist Church General Fund, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd, Newport, RI 02840. Cemetery Details Newport Memorial Park Vaucluse Avenue Middletown, RI, Visitation JUN 17. 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service JUN 18. 11:00 AM Community Baptist Church 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard Newport, RI, US, 02840
Tributes
"condolences to the family. as a newporter. and rogers high school graduate. i had the pleasure of knowing Mrs Pener. thank you for your love, and devotion. the hearts you have touched, were many. your smile, and just a hello, was sometimes all someone needed. bob mcbride"
"Monica A. Williams lit a candle in memory of Mrs. Sarah M. Pener"
"To the Pener/Walker family:I'm was shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Mrs. Peter. She was like family to my Dad The late Raymond Bradic. She and her sister always called him Raymond. MY my prayers bring comfort to the family. I wish I could've been there for you all.Estrellita BradicLos Angeles"
"Lois Platts Robinson lit a candle in memory of Mrs. Sarah M. Pener"
"Brenda Smith lit a candle in memory of Mrs. Sarah M. Pener"
"Dear Sarah and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Mother's are an important part of our lives. I remember someone told me when my mom passed and I will always rememeber it. "A Beautiful Soul is Nevery Forgotten". These words are so true. My sisters will be there showing the love and support of your extended family. Love and prayers - Maria, Mike and Family From Las Vegas, NV."
"My sincere condolences to the entire family of the great and beloved Mrs. Sarah Pener. I can recall a youngster that my late parents were very good friends of Mrs. Pener and I also remember our frequent encounters while attending the public schools. All will miss her extremely friendly demeanor, lovely smile and the beautiful talented person she was. May you rest in peace, Mrs. Sarah Pener."
"Lorraine, Loretta, and Jackie Butler purchased the America the Beautiful for the family of Mrs. Sarah M. Pener."
"Dearest beloved family of this mighty woman of God -- how the world grieves the physical presence of this beautiful woman of faith and courage. We know where she is dancing now and the songs that are filling her heart and raining down upon us. Celebrate Sarah's love and light by living life to the fullest and reflecting her presence in all you say and do so that you might be the blessing to others that she always was. Our hearts are heavy, but her presence with our Beautiful Savior brings us comfort and peace.love always,Ingrid, John Kristin, Brian and Jason"
"Alice Jackson Portlock lit a candle in memory of Mrs. Sarah M. Pener"
"Tranquil Seas was purchased for the family of Mrs. Sarah M. Pener."
"I have such wonderful memories of Big Sarah especially during these past years. Driving around the Ocean Drive with her; having a snack in the Newport Creamery, and sitting and chatting with her are part of these memories. She was well loved and she will be missed by her family and many friends."
"Mrs Sara Pener was an icon in the community. I loved her dearly and thank her for being a mentor to so many of us. Much of our success in our clubs and organizations were due to her keen mind and ability to move projects forward. She will be missed.Victoria Johnson"
"Mrs Sarah Pener was such a beautiful person. How I remember see her everyday during my four years at Rogers High School. She always had a smile. Then I remember her as Sarah's mom for she was such a wonderful mother. When I would visit her home she always made me feel like part of the family. She was so well loved. I feel blessed that I had a chance to speak with her a few days before she passed! I hope she meets my mother in the pearly gates of heaven. She will certainly make a difference up there as she did with her family and friends.Lorraine Jane Butler"
"My deepest sympathy for your loss. I am so sorry I can't be there to accompany you at this time. Mercedes Munoz"