Jessie Penninger

Jessie Gray Dahmer Penninger, age 81, of Raleigh, North Carolina, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 4, 2026.

Jessie was born in West Virginia and carried a deep love for her home state throughout her life. She later made her home in Raleigh, NC, where she built a life rooted in faith, family, and friendship.

She retired in 2009 after many years as a frame attendant with AT&T. Jessie enjoyed cruising, returning home to West Virginia to visit family, and faithfully attended Carolina Pines Baptist Church. Above all else, she cherished time spent loving on her granddaughters, who were the light of her life.

Jessie was a remarkable woman of strong faith, known for her kind spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love for others. She was a true friend to all who knew her-faithful, compassionate, and always ready to offer encouragement. Her heart of gold and gentle presence will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her sons, William Luther Penninger and wife Leah, and their daughter Elli of Leland, NC; Michael Penninger and wife Jaime, and their daughter Alyssa of Benson, NC; her sisters, Martha Wilkins of Garner, NC, and Frances Hypes of Garner, NC; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, Mason and Eva Mae Dahmer, her husband, William Harold Penninger; her brothers, Doy Dahmer, Roy Dahmer, Ray Dahmer, Clarence Dahmer, and Alvin Dahmer; and her sisters, Rozella Weeks, Thelma Kenninson, and Mary Jo Meadows.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Carolina Pines Baptist Church, Raleigh, with a visitation prior to the service from 11:45 AM - 12:45 AM, at the church. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Carolina Pines Baptist Church or Transitions LifeCare.