Suzette Lee Penley, 70, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2016 in Orange Beach, Alabama where she had just celebrated her birthday with family. Suzette was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, James William Penley, Jr.
She is survived by her sons, Jamie Penley (Melissa) and John Penley (Sue Ellen) both of Decatur; daughter, Catherine Penley Belew (Kane) of Birmingham; six grandchildren, William and Harris Penley, Margaret and Hammond Penley, and Jack and Will Belew. Suzette was born on July 22, 1946 in Nashville, Tennessee to James Edward Lee and Edna Minerva Tomlinson Lee, each of whom preceded her in death. Suzette has one sister, Debbie Lee Dickson of Nashville, Tennessee and two sisters-in-law, Janice Penley Keene and Phyllis Penley Owens (Mike) both of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Suzette graduated from East Nashville High School and received a B.S. degree from Middle Tennessee State University where she held membership in Delta Phi Gamma Sorority.
Suzette was a social worker in Knoxville, Tennessee and was the Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Decatur. She also worked in retail throughout her life. She was a doer and had a passion for decorating and remodeling homes. Her talents were endless and her attention to detail put extra love in all that she did. Her favorite and proudest role was being a mother and grandmother. She loved her family more than anything in the world and gave so much of her heart, soul and time to them. She was so giving not only to her family but to everyone she came across. She was happiest when she was taking care of others and cared deeply for everyone she knew, whether you were her family, friend or a member of the community. Everyone that knew Suzette benefitted from her kind and generous spirit.
The Penley family extends their appreciation for your prayers, gifts and constant love and support. Memorials may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Backpacks of Hope through Central United Methodist Church or school supplies for any Decatur City Schoo
