On Saturday, September 2, 2017, Jesus picked another flower, Ethelene “Nene” Ratliff Penn of Alderson, WV, ascended to her next journey following a long illness. Nene’s life was a testament to faith and devotion to God.
Born May 9, 1953, she was the oldest child of Ethel Mae and Hobert Lee Ratliff.
Nene graduated from Greenbrier West High School in Charmco, WV, and later from Gadsden State Community College.
She worked at Westmoreland Coal Company from 1975-84. She retired from the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) in Alderson after 26 years of service. At FPC, she was promoted six times and earned numerous awards and commendations over her career. She never judged the inmates; she made it her commitment to make them know that she cared about them and their future and that they were not a product of their circumstances, but they existed because God felt they had value. She wanted them all to know their worth to God was great.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Ethel Mae Ratliff; and sister, Ardigaye Ratliff.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Donald L. Penn, who was by her side every single day; her father, Hobert L. Ratliff of Quinwood, WV; her son, Derrick Grant (Kenyatta) of Charleston, WV; her four sisters, Linda Ratliff of Quinwood, Davene Burks (Richard) of Morgantown, WV, Darlene Washington (Keith) of Alpharetta, GA, and Donna Walker (Fred) of Durham, NC; three brothers, Walter L. Ratliff (Jennifer) of Albany, GA, Danny Ratliff (Stephanie) of Leslie, WV, and Rex Ratliff (Sarah); stepson, Jordan Penn (Sarah) of Ronceverte, WV; stepdaughter, Monica Allen (Mareo) of Ronceverte; seven grandchildren, Savannah Rose Grant, Victor Lawrence Grant, Kenleigh Noralene Grant, Bryson Penn, Daunte Penn, Donavin Penn, and Devin Penn; as well as numerous family and friends.
A celebration of Nene’s life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 9, 2017, at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Lewisburg, WV, with the Rev. Ronald L. Sherrod officiating. Graveside services will be held at the Trails End Cemetery in Clintonville, WV.
Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Donations in memory of Nene can be made to Gateway for Cancer Research, 500 E. Remington Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173.
McCraw Funeral Home in Lewisburg, WV, is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary originally published in the September 6, 2017 edition of The West Virginia Daily News.
