Dolores "Dee" Pennybacker

It is with deep sorrow the Pennybacker family announces the passing of Dolores (Dee)
Pennybacker. She left us peacefully on August 21, 2023, 30 days after the love of her life, Bill.

Dee was born on September 1, 1932 in Gore, Missouri. The daughter of Paul and Idene
Reinhardt, she gained her creativity and resourcefulness growing up on a farm. Her
consummate curiosity provoked her to be a tremendous student, to graduate from high school
at 16 and start college. She attended Central Methodist College to study music and to sing
solos and many chorus performances. Dee worked for the Fleishman Hillard Public Relations
agency in St. Louis where she had many remarkable experiences, including working with the St.
Louis Cardinals and Anheuser-Busch. It was outside a church in St. Louis where Dee met a
handsome sailor with bright blue eyes named Bill Pennybacker. Dee and Bill were married in
that very church in September of 1954. Their family grew to include daughter Gail and son
Mark. Dee was selflessly devoted to every activity of her children and volunteered in countless, but priceless ways to support their interests. She put her family first. Whether it was a home-cooked meal, a hug or a listening ear, Dee was a steadfast and loving presence.

The family moved several times due to Bill’s job, but it was during their time in Houston when they found the place where they would create their forever home, in Brenham, Texas. As a
talented artist, Dee designed both homes on what has been known as the Sonrisa Grande
Ranch since 1986.

Dee immersed herself in Brenham life, in particular the Brenham Art League where she was a
longtime member, made many friends and so much beautiful art. Dee and Bill became
dedicated members of St. Peter's Episcopal Church where Dee’s soprano singing talents
enriched the choir. She was also an active member of Daughters of the King. Dee’s lifelong
passion for reading flourished in her beloved book club. She and Bill traveled the world together and inspired their family to make life an adventure everywhere. One of Dee’s greatest legacies will be the Be an Angel program, where children in foster care are provided Christmas gifts and school supplies. With a servant heart and an eye for detail, Dee created unforgettable parties of all kinds where she and Bill celebrated family or the community of Brenham for fun and fundraiser.

Dee is survived by her daughter, Gail, son, Mark and his wife, Leslie, granddaughters; Jessica, Kaitlyn and her husband, Nick, grandsons; Jake (Kacey) and Kevin (Haylee) and brother, Darrell.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal
Church Music Program in Brenham, Texas.
https://secure.myvanco.com/YHT3/campaign/C-YNEW

A joint Celebration of Life ceremony is planned for the future.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Share tributes at bmc@brenhammemorialchapel.com.