Carla Denise (Bird) Pennington

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Carla “Denise” Pennington on July 1, 2024, just days before her 60th birthday. Born on July 7, 1964, Denise was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished sister, and treasured friend.

Denise is survived by her husband Charles Pennington; her son Garrett Pennington; her sister Donna Naroz; her nephews Aaron and David Naroz; her aunt Carolyn Wilcoxen; her uncle Rick Bird; her cousin Mike Wood; and many other relatives and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, whom she is now reunited with.

Denise was known for her kindness, compassion, wit and outgoingness. Denise was born in West Virginia and moved to Ohio where she married her husband, Chales Pennington. They were together for 38 years and married for 35. While she was in Ohio, she received her Master’s Degree in Contracting from the University of Central Michigan.  Denise and her family eventually moved down to Alabama, a place where she found her belonging and home. Some of her many hobbies were sewing, baking delicious goods, and Bible journaling.  With over 30 years of government contracting experience, her role was vital in the protection of our country and in support of the brave men and women in service of it. Her true purpose was shown with her involvement with Flint River Baptist Church, where she would volunteer, teach, pray and work closely with its members and staff to better the lives of others through her generosity, knowledge of the Word, advice and overall discipleship of those she encountered. With her main mission to profess the Gospel to all she met no matter her location or status, her faith always shone through and is the pinnacle of how she would wish to be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Flint River Baptist Church in the “General” donation section, proceeds will be directed towards the church’s quilting ministry, a group Denise helped start and lead to utilize the skills of those involved to improve the lives of others with the simple act of handmade blankets and toys.

Denise will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit and impact will live on in the places she worked and served and in the hearts and memories of the many people she loved and who loved her. Though she has left this earth, she has moved on to the heavenly place she wished to be, rejoicing and celebrating in the presence of Jesus. We will be reunited with her again soon.

The visitation will be held on Saturday, July 6 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Hazel Green Funeral home. A celebration of life will follow at 2:00pm at the same location.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pennington family.