Shirley Nelson Pennicooke

Shirley Nelson Pennicooke, 90, of Douglasville, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025. She was born on September 6, 1934 in Greensboro, North Carolina to the late Annette Cohen Nelson and Willie Nelson. Her life was one that was filled with love and compassion for those around her.

Ms. Shirley had a talent for cooking and baking – she would often bake chocolate chip cookies and mail them off to her grandchildren for them to enjoy, even miles away. She was also known for her wonderful skills as a cook for her family and friends.

Ms. Shirley was someone who enjoyed taking time to appreciate the world around her and all of the love and beauty it had to offer. She loved her family first and foremost, but she also loved animals; big and small, as well as flowers; particularly yellow roses. In her younger days, she helped her husband run several different supermarkets in Harlem and The Bronx, New York, during the same time, she spent several years as a fitness instructor, where she made lots of memories and friends along the way with her charming personality and witty sense of humor.

Ms. Shirley will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by the first and only love of her life, her husband of over 68 years, Mr. Herbert Stanley Pennicooke; step-mother, Doris Nelson; and son-in-law, Adegboyega Ademola Fasina-Thomas.

She is survived by her daughter, Rita Fasina-Thomas of Douglasville; son and daughter-in-law, Cintron (Kathy) Pennicooke of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren, Nicole Pennicooke of Winston, Sean Pennicooke of Puerto Rico, Richard Walker of Goose Creek, South Carolina, April Limon of Carrollton and Folasade Fasina-Thomas of Douglasville; as well as six great grandchildren; Knut Pennicooke, Anthony Fleming, Elvis Fleming, Leilany Pennicooke, Alexander Limon and London Limon.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Jones-Wynn Funeral Home in Douglasville, Georgia with Pastor Jamal Baker officiating.

Message of condolence may be sent to the family at www.jones-wynn.com. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home and Crematory of Douglasville is in charge of the arrangements. 770-942-311.