June 27, 1949 – February 27, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Loretta Ann Penn, beloved wife of The Honorable B.J. “Buddie” Penn, the 10th President of the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA). Loretta passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024, at her home in Fairfax Station, Virginia, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 74 years old.
Loretta was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She married Buddie, the love of her life, on June 25, 1987, in San Diego, California, and they shared 36 wonderful years of marriage. They were true partners in life and supported each other in their personal and professional endeavors. Loretta was a proud and supportive spouse of Buddie’s service in the U.S. Navy and his leadership in the NNOA. She was also a dedicated and involved member of the NNOA Spouses Organization, serving as the National President for two terms.
Loretta is survived by her loving husband Buddie, stepdaughter Emily Grooms (Bruce), stepsons Brian and Eric, grandsons Geoffery and Jared Grooms, Aunt Lena Sparks, and devoted nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Antioch Baptist Church at 6531 Little Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Omega Omega ceremony will be held at 9:30 am, the viewing will begin at 10:00 am, and the service will follow at 11:00 am. A repass will immediately follow the service. The service will be live streamed at http://antioch-church.org/streaming-access.
A final service and interment will take place in Dallas, Texas on March 15, 2024, where Loretta will be eternally rejoined with her parents at Laurel Land Memorial Park, 6300 S R L Thornton, Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75232. The viewing will be held at 9:00 am, the service will begin at 10:00 am with the interment immediately following the service.
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