Gertrude Penn

Gertrude H. Penn (nee Miller) was born on May 29,
1929 in Cincinnati?s General Hospital to the late Joe T.
and Kathryn Miller. She was the eldest of three children.
She attended Sands Elementary, Bloom Jr. and Woodward
High School, then completed Poro School of Cosmetology
and attained a license to see Real Estate.
At a very young age, she married Ruel Odom, and to
this union was born her only son, Ruel A. Odom (Sheryl).
Junie, as she called him, was the apple of her eye.
Gert, as she was called by most, was an outstanding and
well known Hair Stylist in Cincinnati for many years, and
hosted several Hair Fashion Shows. She also sold Real
Estate. Her love for travel led her to booking cruises, and
in later years, she began a career at Cincinnati Bell, working
as an operator and in the business office.
Gert later met and married her current husband, Virgil
H. Penn of more than 30 years. She had two stepchildren,
Dale Penn (Karen) of Northbridge, CA and Pat Hazelwood
(John) of Columbus, OH, and 14 grandchildren.
Gert loved to play the piano and played briefly at
Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church. Never reading music, she
could play anything by ear. She was baptized in Calvary
Methodist Church and later joined Allen Temple A.M.E.
Church where she was currently a member. She loved her
church and loved working there when she was able.
Having been diagnosed with the Alzheimers Disease
many years ago, it took a great toll on her quality of life,
yet she never lost her sense of humor and was a great joke
teller. Nor did she lose her taste for good food because
she kept an appetite until near the end.
Now gone, but not forgotten, Gert leaves to mourn
her passing: her husband, Virgil; her loving son, Ruel (Sheryl); one brother, Joe E. Miller of Pottstown, PA; two
sisters, Elizabeth (Liz) Lewis of Cincinnati, OH who
never left her side and Mila Baker (Clarence) of New York
City; stepmother, Mary M. Baker of Columbus, OH; two
stepchildren, Dale Penn (Karen) of Northbridge, CA and
Pat Hazelwood (John) of Columbus, OH; 14 grandchildren,
four nephews, two nieces, and a host of other relatives
and friends.
We will miss you Gertie, but you needed to rest. After
fighting the good fight and finishing the course, God has
you in his care now.