Patricia Ann Shillcutt Pennel (January 30, 1934 – February 3, 2026)

On February 3, 2026, while Patricia Ann Shillcutt Pennel was living in Elberta, Alabama, she transitioned peacefully from this earth into Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior.  She loved God so very much and worshipped Him through her music, through scripture, through her church, and throughout her life.  She had read the Bible through several times during her lifetime.  It is with assurance she knew where she was going when she passed away.

Pat, also known as Patsy, was born on January 30, 1934 and had just turned 92 years of age when she passed.  She was the wife of Franklin Harris Pennel; mother of Gene Pennel (deceased) (Julia), Gail Pennel Iman (Gary), Brenda Pennel Bonner (Don), and Harrison Pennel (Kathy); grandmother of thirteen (2 deceased); great-grandmother of sixteen; daughter of Patrick O’Kelly Shillcutt (deceased) and Bessie Johnson Shillcutt (deceased); sister of Ron Shillcutt (deceased)(Doris), Don Shillcutt (deceased)(Mary – deceased), and aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Pat was multi-talented with her art, sewing, cooking, music, kindness, and more.  She was a wonderful and loving wife and mother.  She taught all four of her children plus many others to play the piano and the organ.  She loved to draw and paint and painted many murals, including a Christmas mural for the outside decoration of her house, and a mural for Sunshine Elementary School.  Pat would draw little pictures on the Christmas cards she and Franklin sent out each year.  She sewed most of Brenda and Gail’s clothes when they grew up.  She even sewed some of Franklin’s suits!  Pat and Franklin would host many Sunday meals for Franklin’s co-workers who were there for a few days so they would have a nice meal.  Pat would make her famous homemade rolls.  Sometimes, she would make sugar butter, and that was so delicious!   Pat used her God-given talents to better serve Him.

Most people knew Pat for her musical abilities.  Pat received her Bachelor’s of Music from the University of Redlands in California.  She received her Master’s of Music from California State University and made a 4.0 for her Master’s.  Pat played the piano and/or organ for various churches wherever she lived, whether in Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma, or California.  She made a huge impact on so many people, including her own children and family.  Near Springfield, she played for First and Calvary Presbyterian, Central Christian Church, and Jamesville Baptist Church in Clever, among other churches.  She accompanied many students as they either played various instruments or sang solos.  Linda Zweerink, one of Pat’s friends from Central Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri, wrote, “Numerous musicians who performed solos at church, whether instrumental or vocal, have said over the years that Pat was the very best accompaniment they ever had.  Whether they stumbled over the music or had stage fright, they said she played around them, pausing and letting them get their bearings back.  It was never about Pat, but about her professionalism and her desire to make them look professional, too.”  Pat was one-of-a-kind in everything she did.

Our deepest appreciation to Springhill Hospice, especially Barbara Cummings, for their tender, loving, and professional care.  Barbara went out of her way to make sure Pat had everything she needed and took great care with Pat.  We really appreciate Barbara!

Services are at Greenlawn East Funeral Home, 3540 Seminole St., Springfield, Missouri 65809.  Visitation is on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  Memorial Service is also on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., immediately following the visitation.  Burial will be a private family affair.  If desired, memorials may be made to favorite charities.