Pency Catherine Croy, 96, born in Vesuvius, Va., now of Botetourt, danced through Heaven’s gates and into the arms of her Lord on February 22. She peacefully left this Earth surrounded by her loving family and supported by the Carrington Cottage staff.
She was born to Ambrose and Retter Clark of Rockbridge County, Va., October 22, 1927. Pency was the fifth child of eight siblings.
She was preceded in death by the Clark siblings: Shem Golden, Hurley Austin, Alma Elizabeth, Fred Hudson, and Thomas Trenton; and her son, Douglas Lawrence Miller.
Pency is survived by her siblings: Thurman (Betty) Clark and Annie Moseley. Also left to cherish her memory are her children: Brenda Sweet, Cathy (Tim) Cofflin and Donna Rowen Miller; her stepchildren: Linda (John) Owens, Cathy (Steve) Rice, and Steve Croy; grandchildren: Christopher Sweet, Dianna (Jeff) Harmon, Cary (Jessica) Sweet, Rachel Russell, Elizabeth Sweet, Lindsey (Jordan) Johnson, Savannah Etzler; step-grandchildren: Brianne (Mark) Gilbert, Matthew Croy, and Macie Rice. She was abundantly blessed with an additional generation of great-grandchildren. This includes Christopher Sweet II, Clarence Wilson, Lisa Champe, Liam and Gannon Sweet, Leia, Gabe, Ben, and Owen Russell; Dixon Smith, Finnegan, Dorian, Jude, and Arya Johnson; step-great-grandchildren: Courtney (Cody) Vega, Savana and Sydney Harmon; Avery and Jordan Gilbert, and Nikolas Croy.
Her family often reminded her that she was the reason for the chaos and crowd when we gathered together. She has many nieces, nephews and extended family that were so dear to her heart. Her two closest friends, Susie Kessler and Sue Watson, have a lifetime of stories and memories to treasure.
Pency lived a life that molded her into the fiercely strong and independent woman many people love and admire. From tales of her childhood: growing up on Irish Creek, to helping care for nieces and nephews, to her marriages that provided her with the family and love she came to know, Pency lived a fulfilled and richly blessed life. She met Alvin Miller at the military PX and initially spurned his romantic advances. She was eventually won over by his charm, and they married and had four children. They moved from Daytona, Fla., to Lyman, Miss., where they raised their family. They relocated to Daleville, where Pency started work at the bank. Unfortunately, she lost Alvin a few years after moving to Virginia.
In 1987, she met the next love of her life, Earl Croy. They were set up on a blind date by his son-in-law, quickly fell in love, and blended two beautiful families. This blended family has provided laughter, love, and support for each other over the last 35 years.
Her knack for storytelling and gift of gab were a treat for anyone who was able to grab a chair and listen. She loved regaling others with her stories of repossessing cars, sibling mischief, and family history. Not only was she witty, clever, and humorous, but her constant words of encouragement and guidance were held dear by anyone who was lucky enough to experience her testimony. Over the last several years, Pency was affected by progressive dementia. This vicious thief stole her memories but never stole her unbreakable spirit and unending joy, even up to her last day.
She was a founding member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church where she was affectionately known as “The Warden.” She had a servant’s heart and worked tirelessly to help others her entire life. She participated in the children’s ministry, adult Sunday School, Bible School, bereavement ministry, St. Mark’s Christmas Fair, sang a beautiful soprano in the choir, and coordinated many other ministries at church. To say she was a born leader is an understatement. Those who have known her and loved her will never forget her. Her love for God and family was unmatched and her personality was magnetic. We will miss Pency daily and challenge each of you to work to emulate her love for Christ, her vibrant spirit, sense of humor, and devotion to family.
Pency’s life was celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Her family received friends at the church from 11-1 before the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 19 Cedar Ridge Drive, Daleville, 24083; or to Alzheimer’s Association, Help Fight Alzheimer’s, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Online condolences may be made to Pency’s family at www.rader-funeralhome.com/tributes/Pency-Croy.
