Sonja Pennington

March 17, 1944 - March 17, 2021

Sonja Lynn Pennington, 77, of Muskogee, was born on St. Patrick’s Day March 17, 1944 in Muskogee to Ira and Pearl (Rhoden) Cordell and peacefully passed away on her birthday, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She received her formal education and graduated from Fort Gibson High School. Sonja married the love of her life, Teddy Clay Pennington on December 20, 1968. Teddy serenaded Sonja everywhere they went. They would go to the lake and sit on a blanket and he would sing Hank Williams songs to her. They shared 47 years of life, marriage and precious memories together. Sonja worked as a Data Entry Clerk for Greenleaf Nursery for many years. Sonja loved to fish and she was the 1st and only Woman President of the B.A.S.S. Federation and held that title for eight years. During that time, she also was the Director for B.A.S.S. Casting Kids Program for children for five years. She loved decorating and watching the Kansas City Chiefs. She was devoted to her family and gave them endless love and memories that they will cherish forever. She faithfully attended New Hope Assembly in Muskogee. She loved her church and while attending she created, Rope of Hope, after the loss of her husband for grieving support, for others going through the same grieving process that she was going through. The support group took field trips and enjoyed fellowship over meals and games. Sonja was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Teddy Clay Pennington, son; Marck Anthony Pennington, brothers; Carl “Buddy” Dean Cordell and Don Cordell, sisters; Billie White and Kathryn Cookson. She is lovingly survived by her daughters; Kathy Barnett of Fort Gibson, Penny Slape of Muskogee, sons; Gene Ellis (Pennington) and wife, Shannon of Liberty, MO, David Pennington of Fort Gibson, grandchildren; Trey Mitchell, Brittany Clark, TJ Barnett, Gena Lewis, Eric Baker, Mike Ellis, Teddy Clay Baker, Austin Baker, Luke Pennington and Skylar Pennington, and 20 great grandchildren whom she loved dearly; extended family and many friends. A visitation will be held Monday, March 22, 2021 at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson with family receiving friends 5PM-7PM. A service Celebrating Sonja’s life will be held 1PM Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at New Hope Assembly in Muskogee with Pastor John Overton officiating. Trey Mitchell, TJ Barnett, Mike Ellis, Eric Baker, Teddy Clay Baker, Austin Baker and Luke Pennington will serve as casket bearers. The family of Sonja Lynn Pennington has entrusted her care and services to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Obit was beautifully written by her family. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com