Penny Graddy

Penny Graddy, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away after an extended illness on December 2, 2024, at the age of 70, in Ashford, Alabama. Born on October 16, 1954, Penny lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and her community.

Penny was a 1973 graduate of Ashford Academy where she dazzled as a majorette. She later pursued higher education at Auburn University, earning her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and science. She met and married the love of her life, Thomas Belcher Graddy, Jr., in 1976. Their union was blessed with 42 years of shared dreams.

Professionally, Penny dedicated her skills as a dietician at Southeast Health Medical Center and served the Alabama Department of Health in Dothan for over a decade. She found joy in her years as a stay-at-home mom, nurturing her three daughters, and later contributed her talents as a librarian at Ashford Academy.

Penny's passion for life was evident in her many interests. Her gardens were a testament to her love for nature, and she found pleasure in canning vegetables and cooking for her friends and family. Music filled her home and heart as she played the organ at Ashford United Methodist Church. In her later years, she was blessed to attend and serve at the New Beginning Church in Ashford.

Penny cherished life on the water at Compass Lake, where the family house provided a haven of joyful memories. An avid Auburn Football fan, she never missed a chance to cheer on her team. Penny was known for her strength and resilience, qualities that were matched only by her sweet, kind, and loving nature. She was a good mother to her daughters, a guiding light to her granddaughter, and a cherished sister-in-law and aunt to her extended family.

Penny is survived by her daughters, Sallie (Cliff) Ford, Katy Graddy (Martin), and Jana Foxworth; her granddaughter, Kayla Ford; her brother, John (Pam) Summerford; sisters-in-law, Iris Anne Wilson and Susan Crist; and many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Belcher Graddy, Jr., her parents, Joe Johnson Summerford and Sarah Eleanor Summerford, her mother-in-law, Iris Whittle Graddy Williams, and by her father-in-law, Thomas Belcher Graddy, Sr.

A celebration of Penny's life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1-2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Penny’s honor to the Samaritan’s Purse, www.samaritanspurse.org. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to caregivers Nikki Truett, LaShanda Truett, and Jessica Hicks, and the loving care provided by SouthernCare Hospice.

Penny's legacy is one of love and faith, of kindness and compassion. As we honor her memory, we are reminded of the profound impact a single life can have on so many. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of her family and friends.