Eleanor “Penny” Rettew

Eleanor “Penny” Pennington Rettew (83) of Fuquay-Varina, NC, formerly of New Bern, NC, lost her battle with vascular dementia on January 14, 2024. Born in Washington, DC to Howard L. Pennington and Mabel L. Mills, Penny grew up the second youngest of seven children in Washington DC and Arlington, VA. Penny was a resident of Centreville, VA for 22 years, where she and her husband raised their three daughters. Penny retired from Federal Government service as a computer programmer analyst in 1997. Along with her husband Chuck, Penny moved to New Bern, NC the following year. Penny enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, golfing with her girlfriends, volunteering at her church, working local election polls, and writing articles for her neighborhood newsletter. She was a member of First Baptist Church of New Bern for many years, where she and Chuck were baptized, as well as a member of the Craven County Republican Women’s Club. Penny was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Matthew “Chuck” Rettew, son Gerald Rettew, and stepson Patrick Rettew. Left to cherish her memory are daughters Karin (Randy) Deering, Linda (Chris) O’Neal, and Cheryl Montgomery; grandchildren Zachary Deering, Joshua O’Neal, Kyle Deering, Kaelee O’Neal, and Caitlyn Montgomery, as well as great-grandchildren Ben, Grayson, and Eleanor “Ellie” O’Neal. She also leaves a stepdaughter, Joanna Britt, as well many wonderful step grandchildren and great grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves behind four beloved brothers, Jack, Howard, Lee, and Bill Pennington.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church of New Bern on February 3rd at 2pm. A private reception will take place at The Emerald Golf Club proceeding the service.