Laura Ann Penn

Laura Ann Penn, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018, at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

On Friday, September 2, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan, Norman Sinkfield Sr. and Lillie Ruth Hogan Sinkfield welcomed Laura Ann – the youngest of 13 siblings – into the world. She met Raymond J Penn (while wearing white pants) when they were both young teens in Detroit. Unknown to them, they began a friendship that would last for an eternity. Shortly after her graduation from Chadsey High School, Raymond and Laura would celebrate the birth of their first child, Laurika Ruth, on June 24, 1978, in Detroit. After becoming a mother, she would continue her education at Detroit Business Institute with a focus in accounting. Raymond graduated from Chadsey High School the following year, enlisting in the United States Navy. They shared sacred vows of everlasting love on April 16, 1982, with an intimate wedding ceremony amongst close family and friends then proceeded to take a journey across the country. While living in Jacksonville, Florida, their first son, Raymond J. Penn Jr., was born on April 5, 1983 and their second son, Robert D. Penn, was born on January 18, 1987. Their daughter would bless them with their first grandchild, Jayden D. Penn, on August 20, 2004, in Ft Lewis, Washington.

Laura traveled across the country as a military spouse forging lifelong relationships wherever she docked. Laura settled in Jacksonville and drew people in with her glowing personality and charisma. From Michael’s to Zumba, teachers, counselors, and the people of Jacksonville accepted her as one of their own. She became a loving Army and Navy mother, continuing her honorable service as a military family member. All that know her will forever remember her passion for sewing and vast collection of Black Barbie Dolls.

Laura fought pancreatic cancer with unyielding faith, grit and determination. She lived a life of repentance and belief in the Gospel of Christ. She leaned on the rock of her salvation through all the peaks and valleys that came her way. Her strength gave hope to others alongside her battling pancreatic and all other types of cancer. Her children will be her greatest legacy, but the fight against pancreatic cancer will continue in her name.

Laura follows her father, Norman Sinkfield, Sr.; mother, Lillie R. H. Sinkfield; and siblings, Norma J. Sinkfield, Bennie P. Sinkfield, Audrey L. Sinkfield, Lois A. (Teena) Flowers and Thomas A. Sinkfield in death.

Laura’s survivors and loved ones include her husband, Raymond J. Penn, Sr.; children, Laurika R. Penn, Raymond J. Penn, Jr. (Anielka) and Robert D. Penn; grandchild, Jayden D. Penn; siblings, Norman Sinkfield, Jr., Minister Eulas D. Collier (Lee), Leonore A. Sinkfield, Elder LeDrew K. Sinkfield (Dorothy) and Walter Penn (Tina); her special sister, Stephanie Steward; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, god-children, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the family. 

 Service Information