Edra Pennington Allbright

Edra Pennington Allbright, cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother and a long respected member of the community of San Marcos passed away on July 3, 2005 at the age of 91. She was born in Alto, Texas, on Dec. 23, 1913, to Robert and Minnie Roberta (Smith) Collier.
Edra gained a solid reputation for her hard work and her good deeds. She was a businesswoman befo

re the days when women established career roles and managed to channel her efforts in a variety of different directions. Upon the death of her husband, Willard in 1957, Edra continued as owner and manager of Pennington Funeral Home for over fifty years. Her community involvement included serving on the Board of Directors on the Upper San Marcos Watershed and Reclamation District, serving as an original member of the Texas Funeral Director’s Association and past Board Chairman of the Texas State Funeral Director’s Insurance Board. She was an original member of the First United Methodist Church “Joy Class,” and in 1946, became one of the first members of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Edra helped in the origination of Scheib Opportunity Center and other service organizations throughout the community.
Edra’s name is well known by a large cross-section of Hays and Caldwell counties. Deservedly, she gained the reputation of a woman who was always willing to put her fellow man before herself. Whenever Edra heard of a person in need, she never bothered to ask who they were, what part of town they lived in, or whether they were deserving. Her only interest was in helping others. She often remarked that all of us are God’s children and she practiced that philosophy throughout her life.
While Edra served her community, ran her business and raised her children, she was also known for her “open house” policy. Adults and children from all over town appeared at her home, finding welcome and encouragement, no matter the hour. Edra’s favorite phrase for friend or stranger was always the same. “Are you behaving?”
Edra was preceded in death by her husband, Willard, husband, William Allbright and daughter, Nelda.
She is survived by her son, Bill Pennington and wife, Linda; daughters Sue Pennington and Day Tilton; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held at Pennington Funeral Home, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, July 5, 2005. Celebration of Life Services were conducted at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2005 in the Pennington Memorial Chapel. Interment services followed at the Tabernacle in the San Marcos Cemetery. For those desiring, memorials may be made to CTMC Hospice, 1345 Thorpe Ln., San Marcos, Texas 78666, or First U.M.C., 129 W. Hutchinson, San Marcos, TX 78666.
Arrangements are under the direction of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, San Marcos, TX 78666, 512-353-4311.