Dorothy Smith Penisson, 91, of Beaumont, died Saturday, February 14, 2015, at Harbor Hospice, Beaumont. She was born on October 29, 1923, to Mary Louise Dickerson and Roy Moy Smith, in Wiergate.
Dorothy graduated from French High School and worked as a telephone operator for several years. She met the love of her life, “Penny” Penisson, and they were married on May 12, 1943. They were married for fifty years before Penny’s death in 1993. She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and was also involved in PTA, serving in several offices, while her children were in school. Dorothy became interested in bowling and joined her first league in 1959. She participated in multiple leagues, as well as tournaments on the city, state, and national level. Dorothy held several offices in the Beaumont Women’s Bowling Association but her true passion was the Secretary’s position she held for thirty-five years.
She was recognized by the Beaumont Women’s Bowling Association as a Member Emerita and inducted into their Hall of Fame. Dorothy also received a service award from the Texas Women’s Bowling Association. She was also a member of Calvary Baptist Church and participated in the Singles in Action Bible Study group.
Survivors include her children, Sandra L. McCracken of San Antonio and Bradley A. Penisson and his wife, Pat, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Kelly Marcus-Blake and her husband, Jamie, of Houston; Andy Marcus and his wife, Sarah, of McKinney; David Marcus and his wife, Lana, of San Antonio; Alan Penisson of Beaumont; Michelle Johnson and her husband, Dante, of Kountze; Evan Penisson and his wife, Brittney, of Beaumont; Charlie McCracken and his wife, Lesley, of Lumberton; Gray McCracken and his wife, Katie, of Houston; Michelle Shelton and her husband, Larry, of Lumberton; and Jeff Barber and his wife, Tiffany, of Nederland; great-grandchildren, Ellie Marcus of McKinney, Becka Marcus and Jenna Marcus of San Antonio,
Dylon Penisson and Matthew Penisson of Beaumont, Jaden Johnson and Braylen Johnson of Kountze, Charlie McCracken and Lily McCracken of Lumberton, Molly McCracken of Houston,
Jakob Shelton of Lumberton, and Kathryn Barber, Karyn Barber, and Thomas Barber, of Lumberton.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Homer Joseph “Penny” Penisson.
A gathering of Mrs. Penisson’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2015, at Calvary Baptist Church, 3650 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 3650 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706 or to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.
