Franklin Delano Roosevelt Penn

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Penn entered eternal rest on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at his home. Frank was born August 16, 1933, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter (Mary Estelle) Penn in Henry County, Virginia. He was blessed with 89 years, 5 months, 26 days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Elder Richard James Penn and David Shelburn Penn; two sisters, Dorothy Billie Johnson and Faye Marie Penn; daughter, Odessa Penn Trent; two grandsons, Rick James Penn and Rasheem Penn; and a great-grandson, DeUnte Reshaud Hylton. At an early age, he attended Red Hollow Primitive Baptist Church. In 1969, he joined Trinity Church of the Living God under the pastorate of the late Bishop M. L. Anderson. After a season, he dedicated his life back to God on February 5, 1995, and he never looked back. He sang in the Trinity Male Chorus and enjoyed being in the presence of his church family. He was united in holy matrimony to the former Frances Marie Johnson and to their union ten children were born. Later he married, Rachel Louise Rumley Flippen on September 4, 1994, and to their union added seven “children” to his family. Together he and Rachel would raise a grandson, Reverend Eric C. Ross. He saw no difference in the family, they all were his children and grandchildren. Frank strived to be a family man and loved his family dearly. For years, he worked for Bassett Furniture Industries until becoming disabled. Until a few weeks ago at 89, Frank was still able to do his daily pushups and stretches. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 28 years, Rachel L. Penn, primary caretaker and “son”, Eric C. Ross both of the home; a brother, Vincent Penn; eleven daughters, Delois “Mama Dee” Hylton, Doris Penn, Gloria J. Scales, Vanessa D. Spencer (Percy Welch), Betty Penn, Norma J. Penn, Dorothy “Doris” Scales, Barbara Johnson, Margaret Penn, and Deborah Penn; six sons, Richard “Pete” Penn (Ernestine), James Rumley (Marie O’Neil), Steven Penn (Clara), James Doniel Penn (Faye), Donnie Flippen, and Jeffery Leon Penn; 37 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A funeral will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 12:00 Noon at Trinity Church of the Living God, Tatum Lane, Stuart, Virginia. Visitation will be 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. A floating visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023, from 12-5:00 at Wright Funeral Service Chapel.