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Betty Penn

Betty Penn

  • March 4, 1923 - January 9, 2012
  • Austin, Texas
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“Beverly, I would like to make a donation to New Beginnings in loving memory of your precious Mother. I would prefer to mail a check to you at...Read More » ”
1 of 12 | Posted by: Sarah Sipe - Charlotte, NC

“Dear Beverly, I am so sorry that I never had the opportunity to meet your mother. She is so pretty. She looks like such a warm, loving and kind...Read More » ”
2 of 12 | Posted by: Sarah Sipe - Charlotte, NC

“I am sorry to say that i never had the pleasure of knowing Betty, but I have no doubt what an incredible women, mother and wife she was by the...Read More » ”
3 of 12 | Posted by: eric massey - austin, TX

“What a lady and so much fun. She was one of our treasured volunters at Next to New. Always kind and loving, we will miss her. I will not be able to...Read More » ”
4 of 12 | Posted by: Pam O'Conner - Austin, TX

“Bevely, Please accept our condolences on the loss of your mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Roberta and Kenny Alterman ( NC...Read More » ”
5 of 12 | Posted by: Roberta Alterman - Fort Mill, SC

“Beverly, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. She obviously was a very special lady. Jo and Mac alexander ”
6 of 12 | Posted by: Jo alexander - Charlotte, NC

“Beverly, so sorry to hear about your mother. I will be praying for you and your family. I'm so glad you were able to spend quality time with your...Read More » ”
7 of 12 | Posted by: Myra White - Charlote, NC

“"Let us not grieve, beyond letting go, for in the Tree of Life the roots of those who've passed and ours are forever intertwined." With deep...Read More » ”
8 of 12 | Posted by: Christene & Michael Tashjian - NC

“To all the family, my sympathy for your loss. This is a hard time and I hope your loving memories will give you comfort. My thoughts are with you...Read More » ”
9 of 12 | Posted by: Sharon Puterbaugh - Tualatin, OR

“Thank you, Betty, for your service to our country. ”
10 of 12 | Posted by: Col George O Lewis, USAF (Ret) - TX

“Your mother will be missed by all who knew her at The Next to New Consignment Shop. Jane Calhoun Volunteer Coordinator Next to New ”
11 of 12 | Posted by: Jane Calhoun - AUSTIN, TX

“Dear Stayton, Elwell and Penn families, It was with such sadness that I learned this morning of the dimming of this lovely, lovely light - and yet...Read More » ”
12 of 12 | Posted by: Jane Dryden Louis - Austin, TX


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Betty Beverly Stayton Elwell Penn died on Monday-January 9, 2012, in her apartment at the Renaissance in Austin TX with her daughter and grandchildren by her side. She was born on March 4, 1923 in Corpus Christi TX. Her family moved to Austin when she was an infant; there, she grew up and attended schools. Betty attended the The University (of Texas at Austin) from 1939 to 1943, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics; she was a life-long Texas Longhorn fan! She entered into the Coast Guard on September 1, 1943 and faithfully served her country until February 6, 1946, as a Yeoman Second Class, during WWII. In May 1947, she married Harry Howard Elwell, Jr., a university professor, at All Saints' Episcopal Church. Over the years, they lived in Austin, Seagraves, Brownfield and Lubbock TX, Wichita KS, Champaign IL, and Tallahassee FL, where Betty was a stay-at-home mother, raising their 3 children. Harry and Betty were divorced in 1968, after 21 years of marriage.

In January 1986, Betty and long-time neighborhood friend, Rhesa L. Penn, Jr. (Sonny), married at St. David's Episcopal Church. They lived and traveled happily together for one month shy of 21 years.

Betty Penn is survived by her 3 children – Beverly Ann Elwell (residing in Charlotte NC with husband David Bach), Scott Merriman Elwell and James Weldon Elwell (both residing in Austin TX), and 2 grandchildren – Cameron James Elwell and Alexa Celeste Elwell (both residing in Austin TX). Survivors also include her 3 sisters – Eleanor Stayton Gammon (residing in Austin TX), Hallie Stayton Evans (residing in Comfort TX and Ann Stayton Heiligenthal Lewis (also residing in Austin TX); 3 nephews and 6 nieces, and a host of grandnephews and grandnieces. Betty was predeceased by her parents Robert Weldon and Hallie Robertson Stayton, her ex-husband, Harry Howard Elwell, Jr., her husband Rhesa Lee Penn, Jr., her grandson Nathaniel Thomas Elwell, her daughter-in-law Beverly Herring Elwell, and her nephews Robert Stayton Gammon and Peter Randolph Evans.

Growing up, Betty was a member of All Saints' Episcopal Church, then a long-time member of St. David's Episcopal Church, and most recently, of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, all in Austin TX.

A "Celebration of Life" service will be held on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 2 pm at the Renaissance – Austin, located at 11279 Taylor Draper Lane, Austin, TX 78759; 512-338-0095.

The family requests that memorials be sent to:
Hospice Austin's Christopher House
2820 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Austin, TX 78702
512-322-0747