Alma Margarette (Penland) Young

Alma Penland Tallent Young, 94, of Franklin, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2018 after a short illness and stay at Macon Valley Rehab/Nursing Facility.  Originally from Highlands, she was the daughter of the late Adin and Mattie Keener Penland.  She was preceded in death by siblings George Penland, James (Jimmie) Penland, Claude Penland, Clara Lloyd, Ona Wilson, and Hettie Penland.  Surviving Alma is a sister, Carolyn Fisher, of Florida, 3 daughters, Judy Pinner of Buford, GA, Nancy Smith and her husband Gene, of Raleigh, NC and Fleta Kirby of Chattanooga, TN, from her first marriage to Raymond Tallent.  Her son, Rick Young, of Sugar Hill, GA., also survives her from her second marriage to Fred A. Young.  She had eight grandchildren, many great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, as well as multiple cousins, nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her very special friend, and honorary family member, Mary Louise Dills of Franklin. 

A woman of unimpeachable faith, Alma was the longest standing and one of the oldest members of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses of Franklin.  A lover of nature, she enjoyed nothing more than a morning cup of coffee while watching the cattle graze in the nearby pasture or listening to the morning chorus of birds.  Through the years, she had many pets that she simply considered family.  An avid quilter, she made quilts for all her children and friend’s children.  She was a gardener out of both love and necessity, having only stopped planting in recent years due to her advancing age.  Her proudest achievement, aside from her children and faith, was returning to school later in life to become a nurse.  She worked for many years at Angel Community Hospital as a nursing assistant before returning to Southwestern Community College and graduating in 1972 with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.  She then finished her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Angel Hospital after 24 years. 

A memorial service for Mrs. Young is scheduled for Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 2 pm at the Franklin Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 564 Prentiss Bridge Road, Franklin, N.C. 28734.  The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 5‑7 pm at Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home and Crematory in Franklin. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels through the Macon County Senior Center.   

Online condolences may be expressed at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com. Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Young family.  

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