Betty W. Penland, age 76, of the Windom Community, entered her Heavenly home on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. A native of Buncombe County, she was born one of eleven children to the late Franklin and Bertie Fox Wheeler. She was also preceded in death by three sisters: Joann Allen (Sammy), Mary Faye McMahan and Sally Catherine Wheeler; two brothers and their wives: John Wheeler (Irene) and Jerry Wheeler (Maxine); and two sisters-in-law: Nina Wheeler and Marie Wheeler.
From an early age, Betty’s gentle spirit and warm heart touched everyone she met. When she entered a room, her sweet and beautiful smile lit up the entire room. This caught the eye of Freddy Penland. He immediately knew he wanted to marry her when he met her, and after dating a while, they did. They were married for almost 57 wonderful years, building a home filled with love, laughter, and the kind of memories that will live on for generations. Together they raised two wonderful sons who, along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, were her pride and joy. To her family, she was not only a loving wife and mom, but the best Nanny anyone could ask for.
A homemaker in the truest sense, Betty poured her heart into caring for her family and her home. She loved tending to her goats, donkeys, and her loyal beagle, Buster. She found joy in the simple pleasures – riding her golf cart, working puzzles, and tending to her beautiful flowers. Betty’s beauty, inside and out, was evident to all who knew her. Betty never complained, no matter the circumstance, and she lived each day with grace, kindness and love that she showed to everyone.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Freddy Penland; two sons: Roger Penland (Pam) of Pigeon Roost and David Penland (Sherry) of Burnsville; three grandchildren: Kayla Ledford, Willie Penland and Ethan Penland; two great-grandchildren: Karlee Boone and Brantlee Ledford; five siblings: Lee Wheeler of Weaverville, Herman Wheeler of Conway, SC, Bob Wheeler (Patricia) of Barnardsville, Doris Anders of Weaverville, and Jacob Wheeler (Betty) of Rock Hill, SC; as well as a brother-in-law, James McMahan of Carlton, GA.
The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 16th at Yancey Funeral Services. Funeral services will be held at 3 p. m. on Sunday, August 17th in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Reverends Blair Harvey, Jeff Autrey and Stacy Elkins will officiate. Graveside services will follow at Cane River Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Ethan Penland, Willie Penland, Robbie Jobe, Kenny Bryant, Dwayne Allen, Eddie Norton and Robbie Boyer.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
Betty was truly loved by all who knew her, and the void she leaves in the hearts of her family and friends is beyond measure. Her legacy will live on in the love she gave, the example she set to her children and generations after, and the memories of her will forever be cherished.
