Phyllis Corlin Penny

Phyllis C Penny, surrounded by her loving family, died in her apartment on November 24, 2024. Her cause of death was cancer. She had just turned 94. 

A lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, Phyl was born at Butterworth Hospital to her proud parents George and Zelma Corlin, in 1930. She graduated from Creston High School, and went on to college at GRJC, then WMU (BA) and, later, MSU (MA in Reading Education). She married Harold Penny (Pen), the love of her life, and they had two sons. They moved from their house on Union in 1968, and settled on Boston Street, where they lived until 2016. In this house, they built a wonderful life, filled with friends, family, and adventures. 

Phyl worked as an educator her whole adult life, in many schools in Grand Rapids and in a variety of capacities. Her longest assignment was as Reading Specialist at Alexander Elementary. She finished her career in the Child Development Center at Shawnee Park Elementary. She loved all her students and gave her best efforts to their education. 

One of Phyl’s great joys was her involvement in Fountain Street Church, where she volunteered for everything. She sang in the choir, was a founding volunteer in the archives, served on the Governing Board, the Properties Committee, the Women’s Association, The 7Schweitzer Guild, and other groups. She helped at civic organizations, including GR YWCA, where she was on the board in the 1960s, and Planned Parenthood. 

Phyl was predeceased by her husband Pen and, very sadly, by her youngest son, Joel, who was a great caregiver to her over the last few years. She is survived by her son Lance, daughter-in-law Marie Maher Penny (Phyl was so happy to gain a daughter!), granddaughters Lela, Georgia, and Jenna (she considered “Grandma” her most important title), her brother Doug Corlin and his family, and other members of the extended Corlin and Penny families. Her many friends have been like a second family - especially the “dinner group” - and their love and support meant the world to her. We will all miss her very much. 

Memorial service at Fountain St. Church on Saturday, December 14, at 11 am, with a light lunch to follow. 

Donations in lieu of flowers to FSC Bell Tower Fund, a project very dear to her heart, would be a wonderful way to remember her.

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