Marguerite Pennington

Marguerite Pennington, born September 13, 1927, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025. It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of her passing.

Marguerite dedicated her life to education, curiosity, and compassion. After earning her PhD in microbiology, she built a distinguished academic career, holding faculty positions at both Duke University and the University of North Carolina. She later continued her vocation at Dalton State College in Georgia, where she ran a laboratory and taught for more than 18 years, inspiring countless students with her knowledge, patience, and love of science.

A longtime member and supporter of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Goldsboro NC., Marguerite was deeply rooted in her community. She was always a pleasure to speak with—engaging warmly across a wide range of topics and offering thoughtful conversation to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vivian and Walter Eugene Pennington, and her sisters, Anna Lee Pennington Schwender and Peggy Eugene Pennington.

Marguerite leaves behind beloved and faithful friends Judy Carpenter and Martie Saylor; nephew Stephen Chene (Jane Chene); nephew James Schwender (Rebecca Weber); niece Georgia Schwender (James Simone); great-nephews Dane Schwender, Nicholas Simone, Eric Schwender; and great-nieces, Cortney Chene and Michaela Simone.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 at St. Stephens Episcopal Church at 2:00 p.m. 

To honor her memory, donations may be directed to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

https://ststephenschurch.com/giving/

or to the American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialbutton&lang=en

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the family and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marguerite Pennington, please visit our floral store.