Laura Adeline Hunnicutt Penland ran into the arms of Jesus on November 24, 2024 after a challenging journey of declining health and Alzheimer’s.

On September 24, 1931, Laura was born to Jabel Hunnicutt and Corrie Eller Hunnicutt in the Hale Cat community of Mountain City, Georgia. She grew up in a large, loving family with eleven siblings: Lena Hunnicutt Gragg, Lorene “Martha” Hunnicutt Myers, Mary Eugene Hunnicutt, Pearly Christine Hunnicutt, John Louis Hunnicutt, Mattie Marie Hunnicutt, Buster Brown Hunnicutt, Joy Sue Hunnicutt Singletary, Charles Edward “Ed” Hunnicutt, Carlton “Russell” Hunnicutt, and William Theodore “Ted” Hunnicutt. After her mother, Corrie, passed away, her father married Bertha Dover Runion.

To know Laura was to know beauty, grace, wisdom, and love. Especially as a young woman,

Laura was a dark haired classy woman that was adored by her family and her late husband, Hoyt Rimmer Penland. On June 27, 1952 Laura became Mrs. Hoyt Penland, which was a title she adored holding. Her husband often referred to her as his “Jacque” in reference to Jacque

Kennedy Onassis. Laura shared of how he loved her, and their boys, so well. Laura was known as immaculate with her clothing, jewelry, and housekeeping. She could create a beautiful meal while looking polished and refined. She often shared that her husband told her he knew she had other things to do, but all he asked of her was to be dressed and spend five minutes with him when he came home from work. He was so proud of her! Laura was more than happy to oblige with a smile, trendy outfit, and hot meal.

In the early 1950s, Laura visited family in Michigan and decided she wanted to live there. After she, and Hoyt, married, they rented an apartment. They welcomed their firstborn son, Michael “Mike”, in 1953. Laura shared that Mike would go to the window looking outside. Hoyt told her,

“Mike wants to go outside and play,” so they bought a house on Williams Lake. Their second son, Morris, was born in 1959. In 1967, they moved to Elizabeth Lake. Laura, and Hoyt, raised their two boys, Mike, and Morris, in Michigan and then Rabun County. Laura was always a doting mother who took great pride in caring for her children, supporting their goals, and dreams, and having a beautiful home.

One of the highlights of Laura’s years in Michigan was the friendship she formed with her precious friend, Kay Martin. Both women found themselves in a new town and yearned for friendship. Kay has often shared that she prayed for God to bring her one special friend. God answered that prayer with Laura. The two became fast friends and have remained the best of friends since 1967.

In 1974, they moved to Otto, North Carolina, which is where Hoyt had grown up.

In 1977, Laura’s heart was broken when her husband, Hoyt, was tragically killed in a vehicle accident. In true Laura style, she grieved deeply, but she dug her heels in and grabbed life by the horns. There was nothing she couldn’t do even if it meant doing it alone or hiring someone to help her. She built rock walls in her beautiful flower gardens, painted walls, rewired lights, and anything that needed done. Her independent, tenacious spirit, combined with her strong faith, allowed her to live a full life despite losing the love of her life.

In 1978, her first grandchild, Chrissy, was born. Laura then became better known as “Grandma.”  Within the next five years, Laura would have two more grandchildren, Sarah, and then Hoyt. She took the role of grandparent very seriously and poured everything into her grandchildren’s lives.

Grandma was the best of the best! She was the biggest cheerleader never missing a piano recital, school play, or church activity. If her grandchildren were involved, she was there!

If one asked Laura what her occupation was, she answered, “a kept woman.” She loved nothing more than being a wife, mother and, later, a grandmother. She did not take her role lightly. She loved unconditionally and without limits. She was an incredibly gentle teacher of a myriad of things from crocheting, baking, stain removal, and proper silver storage to more intrinsic things such as offering forgiveness and just letting things slide off your back.

Laura loved people and was a social butterfly. She could often be found dancing, playing a mean card game, or going on a trip. On many of these trips, she traveled alone but came home having forged lifelong friendships. Especially as she became older, she loved nothing more than when people took the time to visit with her, have a cup of coffee, and talk with her; it was truly the highlight of her day.

Above all, Laura loved the Lord with all of her heart, soul, and mind. She often shared that she was never alone because He was always with her. As her disease progressed, she would often hum her favorite hymns and listen to Bill, and Gloria Gaither sing gospel songs that soothed her soul.

Laura is predeceased in death by her parents, Jabel and Corrie; stepmother, Bertha; husband,

Hoyt R. Penland; son, Morris D. Penland; grandson, Hoyt M. Penland; siblings, Lena, Lorraine, Pearly, Mary, Louis, Mattie, Buster, Joy, Russell, and Ted.

Laura is survived by her son, Mike Penland and his wife, Wanda; granddaughter, Chrissy Owenby and her family, Chris, Emily and Jada Grace; and granddaughter, Sarah Penland. Laura is survived by three special nieces that poured into her throughout the years providing support, love and friendship (Yvonne Krogulski, Linette Alley and Ginny Clemmons). She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The legacy Grandma left is one of love, confidence, and determination. To honor Laura, please visit someone you love, confidently try a new hobby, forge friendships, and love the Lord with all your heart.

The family would like to thank Amedysis Hospice (Toccoa) for the unwavering support provided to Laura during the last part of her journey. Each of the staff members served Laura with professionalism, gentleness, empathy, and compassion. We would like to extend a special thank you to Eva Aderholdt, Olivia Foster, and Alexander Smith. These three will forever be part of our family. As a caregiver, I could not have done it without the support, and guidance, of these three. They are truly angels on earth serving as the hands, and feet, of Jesus. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

Flowers are accepted or donations in Laura’s memory can be made to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

www.stjude.org

Grandma, you loved well and lived a life of noble character. You will always be my mentor, friend, thrifting partner, milkshake date, hair brushing, cookie making, and hero. Thank you for loving me, always being my biggest cheerleader, and loving my husband, and girls, so well. I promise that your legacy will live forever as you will always be part of me. Dance with the angels, and, as you frequently told me, one day I will come to you; please save a place for me. Rest high on the mountain!

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Laura Adeline Hunnicutt Penland. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.