Melba E. Craven Pennington

Melba E. Craven Pennington, 82, of Poplar Bluff died Saturday, March 26, 2011 at Current River Nursing Center in Doniphan, Mo.

Mrs. Pennington was born Nov. 26, 1928 in Holcomb, Mo. She was of the Baptist faith and had attended Westwood Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Pennington retired in November 1990 from Commerce Bank after 38 years of service. She enjoyed attending church and shopping.

In August 1948, she married James O. Craven. He preceded her in death on April 13, 1980. On October 14, 1989, she married Thomas Joel Pennington. He preceded her in death on Dec. 22, 2005.

Survivors include three stepdaughters, Phyllis McClain of Fairdealing, Mo., Cecil Potter of Flint, Mich., and Barbara Phillips and husband Joel of Olathe, Kans.; a nephew Terry Eaker of St. Peters, Mo.; and several nieces.

Her parents, Clyde and Letha (McFarland) Wright and two brothers, Loyd Wright and Van Wright also preceded Mrs. Pennington in death.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel with Dr. Steve Proctor officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Westwood Baptist Building Fund in memory of Mrs. Pennington.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.