Mary "Lisa" Wallace Penn

Lisa Penn, 66, was taken into the arms of Jesus on November 20, 2022. She was surrounded by her loving daughters as she passed peacefully in her home. A memorial service will be held at Rusk First Baptist Church on Saturday, November 26 at 1:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Pastors Brian Givens and Brad Turlington. The family would like to extend an invitation to a reception honoring Lisa immediately following the service.

Lisa was born on March 21, 1956 in Houston, TX. She grew up in Rusk, where she lovingly raised her family. She enjoyed traveling - especially cruises- and looked forward to mom-and-daughter trips every fall. She was an amazing cook, and took every opportunity to prepare and share meals with her loved ones. Lisa served for over 30 years as a registered nurse in home healthcare, where her compassion and care for her patients was unmatched. She also loved animals and cared for many pets and neighborhood critters over the years. Above all, she was an extraordinary Mama and Grammy, and the true model of unconditional love.

Lisa was preceded in death by her mother, JoAnne Elliott Wallace, and her father, James Kenneth Wallace, Sr.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Elizabeth Keith, and husband Eric of Huntsville, TX, Amanda Kellis, and husband Jason of Rusk, Katy Clifton, and husband David of Rusk, Micah Howell, and husband Bryan of Rusk; grandchildren: Lance Keith, Brittany Kellis Ford, Will Keith, Alex McIntyre, Claire Kellis Johnson, Jackson Howell, Landon McIntyre, Kamryn Kellis, and Jonah Howell; great-grandson Kellis Paul Ford; brother Ken Wallace and wife, Sally, of Rusk; nieces Jennifer Hullihan, Jaime Lanham, Paige Barron, and Erin Garner; uncle, Jerry Elliott of Palm Springs, CA; as well as extended family.

Although Lisa’s presence will be missed by all who knew her, those who called her Mama and Grammy will feel her absence most deeply when they see the color green, smell the scent of coffee or a spicy candle, celebrate any milestone of her children and grandchildren, and throughout every Christmas season.

For the past 7 years, Lisa has sponsored a child through Compassion International. She was also a faithful donor to the ASPCA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rusk FBC to continue the Compassion International sponsorship, or donations may be made directly to ASPCA.

FBC/Compassion International:

https://onrealm.org/ruskfbc/-/form/give/now OR text RUSKFBC $(any amount here) to 73256

ASPCA:

http://bit.ly/3EZjdNf