Bernice Penn

Bernice Fahie-Penn was the last of four children born to Lillian Susanna Smith-Fahie and Daniel David Fahie, in Belle View, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, on February 10, 1931. She received her primary education at the public school in Road Town, Tortola. In the late 1950’s, she relocated to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands to live with her oldest sister, Christina Fahie-Ronan and to find employment. There, she became employed as a maid and housekeeper. She later met Victor Wilmot Penn and the two were married on January 19, 1959. Bernice mothered twelve children, of which nine are still alive. She worked tirelessly to help with the support of her family. She was employed by the Government of the Virgin Islands. She also worked with the Department of Education at the Ulla Muller School for about 30 years until her retirement in 1992. In 1993, she relocated to Orlando, Florida to be with her children and to raise her grandchildren after the passing of her daughter, Marilyn Penn James. Bernice was preceded in death by her loving husband, Victor Wilmouth Penn; parents: Lillian Susanna Smith-Fahie and Daniel David Fahie; daughter, Marilyn Penn-James; sons: Rebelto Fahie, Renaldo Fahie, David Penn; brothers: William Fahie, Rehelo Fahie, Calvin Fahie, Crowell Fahie, Alfredo Fahie, Eurman David Fahie, and Leando Fahie; sisters, Christina Fahie-Ronan, Iris Fahie, Cynthia Fahie, Maggie Fahie, Ethlyn Fahie, Thelma Fahie, Evelny Fahie-Turnbull, Veda Fahie, Nora Fahie, Dora Fahie, Amy Fahie-Boyd, Joyce Fahie-Samuel, and Janet Fahie. She is survived by her Sons: Winston “Jim Hardy” Fahie, Courtney “Jeff” Fahie, Wesley “Wise” Penn, Victor Penn, Jr., Recardo Penn, and Renaldo Penn (Stepson); Daughters: Melloney “Harriet” Penn Smith (James), Maureen “Lecia” Penn-Cline (Henito), Wanda “Cora” Penn, Murlene “Tunkey” Penn; 38 Grandchildren, 50 + Great Grandchildren, and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren; Siblings: Clarice Fahie-Turnbull, Edith Fahie-Frett, and Elroy Fahie; God-sisters: Rhoda Fahie Francis and Muriel Shulterbrandt Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends.

Tributes

Bernice Penn

February 10, 1931 - January 24, 2022