Chyrel Ann Pennington

Chyrel Ann Pennington passed away May 9th, 2023. She was with her beloved daughters, Stephanie and Patricia. Chyrel was 65 years old.

Chyrel was born on August 18th 1957 in Castro Valley, California to Harold and Ida Mae Dodd. Chyrel grew up in Union City, California. She attended Heritage private school where she met the love of her life, Carl Eugene Pennington. They were married just a few years later on August 25th 1973. This year, they would have celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Chyrel and Carl had two beautiful daughters, Stephanie and Patricia. After Patricia was born, Chyrel and Carl relocated to Port Orchard, Washington. Where Chyrel graduated South Kitsap High School.

Chyrel then became a school bus driver for the South Kitsap school district, at age 21. Chyrel drove "big bus" for several years and participated in numerous bus rodeos and acquired multiple safety awards over her 41 years of service. Chyrel was even starred in a school bus safety video, for SK transportation. In the early 1990's Chyrel began driving special education bus for South Kitsap. She thoroughly enjoyed working with children and their families. She would become a pleasant start to everyone's morning, with a beautiful smile, a sincere "Good morning hun or sweetie" since she was terrible with names. Chyrel touched so many hearts of her families, many students, teachers and fellow bus drivers. Chyrel made life times friends, which she cherished, with the people she worked with. Chyrel's youngest granddaughter had the pleasure of riding with her Mema for 9 years, until Chyrel was forced to retire, in 2019, due to health reasons.

Chyrel was a huge jack of all trades. She loved to sew Halloween costumes for herself and her grandchildren every year. Her absolutely passion was her yard. She always had such a talent for flowers, landscaping and enjoying the sanctuary of working hard and making things beautiful! Chyrel loved to try new things, belly dancing, karate but mostly the casino! She had a love for the slots and they her!

Chyrel also went by Mema, her grand babies called her Mema and most children on the bus did too. Chyrel had 7 grandchildren, Shyrel (Evan), DeAndre, DeAnte, Ian, RyAnne, DeVon and Yitbarek, who truly adore her and love her like crazy! Mema had a special relationship with her grand babies, they brought her such joy. The many adventures of "Mema's Krazy Krew" ...over the years Mema would take all the grandkids and sometimes their friends to different getaways, in her 15 person van, by herself!!! She was one amazing Mema! Memories were definitely made and will be cherish for a lifetime!

Chyrel was also a great Mema. She had 3 feisty gorgeous great-grand girls, Emersyn (3yrs), Camdyn (2yrs), Kairi (1yr) and one new addition on the way this Fall. All the great and grandkids will live on to hear all the fun stories and have amazing memories of their precious Mema. She will hold a special place in their hearts. We love you so much Mema! Chyrel had a wonderful soul, she could fill up a room with her smile, she made you feel so special, like you were the only one in her world, when she was with you. She was genuine, kind and beautiful inside and out! To everyone who knew and loved her could see her beautiful bright light! She will forever be missed.

Fly high Mom, and don't worry, we got this! We will make you proud! Love you always.

Chyrel is proceeded in death by her husband, Carl, her father Harold, her brother Ricky, her mother Ida Mae, her stepfather Lyle, her step brothers Dennis and David.

Chyrel is survived by her daughters, Stephanie (Jason) and Patricia (D'Wayne), all her grand babies and great-grand girls. Sisters Geneva (Ron) and Donna (Keith), step siblings, Don (Linda), Dan (Jan), Marguerite, Joseph, Kimberly, and Steven. Many cousins, nieces and nephews and her Aunt Helen.