Sarah M. Pener

Sarah McKenzie Pener, 92, of Newport, RI went gracefully into the arms of the Lord on June 11, 2013, with her devoted daughter Sarah and niece Carol by her side. She was blessed by the loving care she was given by the staff of the Grand Islander Center in Middletown and Beacon Hospice.Sarah was a self adjusted motivator who instilled inspiration among those who knew her. When she entered the nursing home in 2009 her determination led her to live a full and eventful life regardless of her environment. Her peers greatly admired her spunk, energy and attitude and enjoyed being in her presence.Sarah McKenzie Pener, affectionately called Sis, was born in Newport, RhodeIsland on January 26, 1921. She was the daughter of the late Sarah Jackson Walker and Louis Walker Sr. of Newport and the sister of the late Louis Walker Jr., Eleanor Keys and Bessie Roberts of Newport.She attended the Newport Public Schools graduating from Rogers High School in 1942 and later attended the Milgram Secretarial School. Sarah enrolled in the Womens Army Auxiliary Corps, 356 2nd Service Unit in Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky where she enjoyed serving her country and had fond memories of her military experience. She received an Honorable Discharge from WAAC on August 28, 1943.Sarah was married to the late Lt. Col. William H. Pener and they were blessed with two loving children, their daughter Sarah E. Pener of New York and Portsmouth, R.I. and their son the late William Billy Pener, Jr. of Newport, RI. As an Army family, they traveled extensively in Europe and Japan and settled in Newport, RI in the 1950s.Sarah was employed by the Newport School Department as a Guidance Clerk from September 10, 1963 to June 29, 1984. This opportunity sparked her love for working with young people, which continued throughout her years. She especially enjoyed her relationships with the staff and students, all of whom still remember her gracious smile.Her gift as a seamstress blessed her family with exquisite garments, which included gowns for her daughter's concert and stage appearances in the U.S and Europe. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Martin Luther King Center for Community Service where she lead an after school program entitled Sarahs Stitches. Under her superb direction, she delighted and entertained many young girls and boys by teaching them how to sew and balance color schemes.Sarah loved serving her community, embraced her friends and was devoted to her church family. She was a dedicated member of the Community Baptist Church in Newport, Rhode Island, where throughout the years she served on the Ministries of Trustees, Missionaries, Board of Christian Education, the Women's Ever Ready Society, as well as a member of the scholarship fund. She was a volunteer for Vacation Bible School and served on the Hospitality Committee. She was chairman of the Fund of Renewal of the American Baptist Churches, USA. Sarah was a member of the Merger Committee and Financial Secretary for the former Mt. Olivet Shiloh Baptist Churches. She received numerous awards and Certificates of Appreciation for her years of devoted and faithful service.Sarah is a Life Member of the Newport County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and a longtime member of the Newport Womens League. She was a member of the Patriot Park Enhancement Committee, and worked tirelessly to establish a permanent monument at Patriots Park in Portsmouth, Rhode Island dedicated to the First Rhode Island Regiment, The Black Regiment, who fought and died for the sake of freedom for all.In 2007, Sarah was the proud recipient of the Newport Daily News Community Service Award. She was the second of three sisters to have received this award.With Sarahs passing comes an end to an era. She, along with her late sisters Eleanor and Bessie, were lovingly referred to by family members and close friends as The Sisters. They made countless contributions to our community and they touched the hearts and lives of many, young and old. She will be forever loved and greatly missed.Sarah is survived by her devoted daughter Sarah Pener of New York and Portsmouth, RI. Her family also includes: John Keys of Cambridge, MA, Leon and Margaret Roberts of Newport, Aton Roberts and family of New Jersey, Barry Roberts and Wanda Rosario of Bronx, NY, Sean Roberts of New York, Louis and Elaine Walker III and family of Portsmouth, RI, Carol Walker and family of Newport ,RI, Frances Matthews and family of Newport, RI, Fern and John Lima of Newport, RI, Thomas and Donna Matthews of Middletown, RI, Paul and Jo Eva Gaines and family of Newport, RI. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Arlene Lyles and family and Naomi and Robert Scott all of California. She enjoyed being "Grandma Number 3" to the Scott children. Sarah was loved and cherished by a host of additional members of the Butler, Pener, Walker, Baron, and Gaines families. She welcomed Lovie and Scott Kilgore and their children as her family.Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 17, 2013 from 5:00-8:00 pm in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at 11:00 am in Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd, Newport, RI. Burial will follow in Newport Memorial Park, Middletown, RI.Donations in her memory may be made to the Community Baptist Church General Fund, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd, Newport, RI 02840. Cemetery Details Newport Memorial Park Vaucluse Avenue Middletown, RI, Visitation JUN 17. 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service JUN 18. 11:00 AM Community Baptist Church 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard Newport, RI, US, 02840