Barbara Jane Pennington, age 88, of Russellville, passed away on Thursday, October 09, 2025 at her residence.
If you knew Barbara, you immediately loved her and you knew she loved laughing, having a good time, and dancing. She loved playing the piano for her church at Heritage Fellowship Church until she wasn’t able due to her vision loss. She couldn’t read music but had a gift from God to play by ear any song she heard she could pick it up. She sold Avon for many years and was often recognized for her top sales. She also sold Paparazzi Jewelry and loved wearing her jewelry. More than anything, she loved her children, grandchildren, her other family, and her friends. She was longing to see her parents, her son, Keith, her sisters, being able to see again to play the piano, and most of all see her Jesus. She now knows with absolute clarity what we sing about, pray for, and vaguely understand. Such a loss for her family and friends, but we know there is rejoicing in Heaven.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter, Christy Simmons (Marc “Cooter”), Tim Washington; daughter-in-law, Lisa Washington; grandchildren, Brittney Wadkins (Alex), Brandon Stanfield (Haleigh), William Washington (Deandrea), Justin Thompson (Erann), Hannah Bray (Mike), Cody Simmons (Tiffany), Heather Mikel (John); great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Simmons, Cayson Simmons, Brantley Wadkins, Aidynn Wadkins, Cannon Wadkins, Rylee McDonald, Breanna Mikel, Blaine Bray, Madeline Bray, Kylen Bray; great-great-granddaughter, Ariah Howard; brother, Vernon “Buddy” Sartain; special friend, Wilma Rea; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband and father of her children, Willie Washington; husband, Dale Pennington; son, Keith Washington; parents, Horace and Loretta Sartain; and sisters, Elaine Blount and Betty McCollum.
The visitation will be 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 13, 2025, at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Spry Memorial Chapel with Derek Washington, Bro. Tim Smith, and Vic Mayfield speaking at the service. The burial will be at Duncan Creek Cemetery.
The pallbearers will be Alex Wadkins, William Washington, Justin Thompson, Brandon Stanfield, Mike Bray, and Cody Simmons.
The family would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Aaron Karr, Kandice and Andrew at Alabama Hospice of the Shoals for your love and care of our mother & grandmother.
Barbara wanted to thank her precious son-in-law, Cooter for always being there for her, loving her, and promising to care for her daughter.
Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To give private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.
