Ms Willie Ella Penny

March 17, 1926 - May 7, 2015

Willie Ella “Bootsie” Penny, 89, of Peoria, went home to be with the Lord, on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 2:28 pm, at Unity Point Health Methodist. Bootsie was born on March 17, 1926, in Robinsonville, MS. to the late Willie and Roberta (Kennedy) Metts. She married James Penny Sr. in 1966. Bootsie was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She loved to fish and enjoyed time with family. Bootsie was a God-fearing woman. She was a faithful member of Rising Sun Christian Church before her health kept her homebound. She also sang in the senior choir and served as an usher for many years. Bootsie leaves to cherish her precious memories, her daughter, Norma Hughes of Peoria; three brothers, John Metts of Chicago, Ill., David Metts and Jimmy Metts, both of Winston Salem, NC; four sisters, Shirley Metts and Geraldine Autman, both of Peoria, Mary H. Mims and Rose M. Ward, both of Camden, NJ; four grandchildren, Michael (Cosheka) Hughes of McDonough, GA, Anisha Hughes and Alvin Hughes, both of Peoria, and Nikya Hughes of Ferguson, MO.; special relatives and friends Vivian Holloway and James William of Peoria; a host of great-grandchildren and great- great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends who adored her and will miss her dearly. Bootsie was preceded in death by her parents; husband James Penny Sr.; one brother and two sisters. Services will be held Friday, May 15, 2015, at 11 a.m., with visitation commencing one hour prior at 10 a.m., at Rising Sun Christian Church. Pastor John L. Gibson will officiate. Bootsie will be laid to rest in the Swan Lake Cemetery. The family has entrusted T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel to handle the final arrangements of their dear loved one, Ms. Bootsie. Online condolences can be made at www.twparkschapel.com