Barbara Penner Obituary

Peacefully at home, Saturday September 20, 2025

Barbara Jean (Stevens) Penner, a woman known for her infectious joy and ability to light up any room, passed away peacefully on September 20th 2025, Barbara was the life of every party, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and a cherished friend to many. We now celebrate her life in loving memory.

Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Barbara was a graduate of East High School and later attended the Rochester Business Institute. She worked in Rochester for several years before embarking on an adventure to Orlando, Florida, where she made a home for herself and worked as a land surveyor for more than 20 years. In 2005, Barbara returned to Rochester, New York, during that time she attended The Father's House and received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Her journey continued with a move to Las Vegas, Nevada, for three years before she returned once more to her roots in Rochester. It was there, while working at Sutherland Group, that she met the love of her life, William Penner. They were married in December of 2010.

In 2019, Barbara was diagnosed with dementia, and she spent the rest of her years in the loving care of her sister, Gladys "Cookie" Waller.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Juanita S. Williams, and the Honorable men in her life James E. Ray and Ronald Miller.

She is survived by her distinguished father, Pastor Willie Smith; her loving husband, William Penner; her son, Timothy Stevens; her sisters, Gladys (Larry) Waller, Sharon Miller, Deidra Miller and Linda Smith.

Barbara will also be dearly missed by her nieces, Larvina Blair, Tina (Marlon) Salmon, Trina Duncan and Kyndra Miller; her grandchildren, Isaiah Stevens, Crystal Anderson, Sherrod(Janelle)Brown, Duan Brown,Timothy Stevens Jr., and twins. She leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews, including Noah, Imarie, Nigel, Jaylen, Brooke, Dominic, Nathan, Mckenzie Jade, Marlon Jr., and GiaMarie.

She is also survived by her special friends, Carrie Phelan and Trinity Roman Smith, and a host of family and friends who will forever remember her vibrant spirit and love for life.

The family will receive friends from 11am-1pm Monday September 29, 2025 at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 6 Empire Blvd. (corner of Culver Rd.)

Following visitation, a Memorial service will begin promptly at 1pm in the chapel of the funeral home. Directly after Family and Friends will be received for the repass at The Great Room Of Rochester (Chili Paul Plaza) 3240 Chili Avenue Rochester NY 14624.