Evelyn Whitmore Penick

EVELYN WHITMORE PENICK, age 94, of Little Rock passed away Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, peacefully surrounded by family. She was born in Little Rock, Oct. 10, 1921. She is survived by sons, Edward Penick Jr., George Penick and wife, Sharon, Charles and wife, Shelley and daughter, Lydia Penick; grandchildren, Ashley Landers, Shannon McLendon, Dr. Edward Penick III and wife Jill, Mollie Tanner and husband Richard, Erica Kimball and husband David, George "Whit" Penick and wife Mitzi, Megan Voss and husband Dustin, Evelyn Wade, Emily Richardson and husband Josh, and Elizabeth Miles; and 21 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Edward M. Penick Sr., parents, Ena Smith and George Whitmore; sister, Jane Chronister; and great-grandson Weston Penick. Evelyn Penick graduated from Little Rock High School in Little Rock, Ark., in 1940. She then attended and graduated from Harcum Junior College in Bryn Mawr, Pa., in 1942 with an associate degree in interior design. When her children were young she served as a den mother for the Cub Scouts and took a leadership position in the Girl Scouts. Among the things she was proudest of is her involvement with the Florence Crittenton Home. Originally built in the late 1800s to serve prostitutes, drug addicts, and alcoholics, it soon provided a place for unwed pregnant mothers to stay during their pregnancy. She served as the organizations President. Evelyn's work with the Junior League was very meaningful to her. In 1957-58, she chaired the Community Arts committee of the Junior League. Her leadership role in this committee put her at the center of the League's top project when in June 1957 it voted to build what became the Arkansas Arts Center. She served on the board of trustees for the Community Center of Arts and Sciences for several years. She was a long time member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Evelyn was very supportive of her husband and his business career. She was compassionate about her family and loved them unconditionally. Each Christmas the mantle was lined with handmade needlepoint stockings for each member of her family. She had a passion for entertaining people. She was always the perfect host with pristine etiquette. Evelyn also had a love for playing bridge and teaching her grandchildren how to play cards. The family would like to thank Tina, Debra, Sandra, and Terri for the great care they provided. In lieu of flowers the family has asked donations be made to the Arkansas Arts Center, P.O. Box 2137, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 West 17th St., Little Rock, Ark. 72206. A visitation will be Sunday Oct. 2, 2016 from 4-6 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home. The funeral will be held Monday, Oct. 3, 2016 at 10 a.m. in Trinity Episcopal Cathedral followed by a graveside service at Mount Holly Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.