Penny Utterback

Penny Sue Thurston Utterback, of Bladenboro passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 while at Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Whiteville at the age of 70. She was born on November 16, 1952, at the Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska to Albert and Charlotte Thurston.

Penny grew up in Sidney, Iowa and later came to North Carolina. She spent many years as a farmer’s wife until she earned her degree as a nurse. She was employed with Bladen Medical Associates of Bladen County for 30 plus years. Her coworkers were like family to her, and she enjoyed making fudge for them especially around the holidays.   She was an active member of Wesley’s Chapel in Elizabethtown where she helped with the Stephen Ministry. Penny enjoyed annual trips to Hawaii, the Outer banks, and Gulf Shores with her close friends Dr. Rich, his wife Faye and Ann Smith. She also enjoyed attending family events and shopping trips. Penny was an inspiration to all that knew her. She never gave up on anything. Her strong will and determination will be remembered always.

Penny leaves behind her mother, Charlotte Thurston, children Lisa Barnes (Bryan) of Elizabethtown, Zac Utterback (Ashley) of Elizabethtown, Mike Utterback (Barb) of Elizabethtown, Sandy Abbott (Don) of Tabor, Iowa, and special daughter Tonya Barnes, brothers Scott Easton of Wilbraham, MA, Robert Easton of Goffstown, NH, sisters, Donna Margenson of Enfield, IL, Paula Fontaine of Ludlow, MA, and Lisa Cincotta of Enfield, IL, grandchildren Emily Barnes, Anna Utterback, Olivia Barnes, Samson Rogers, Lee Barnes, Chelsea Lesane, and Conner Utterback, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by the love of her life,Larry Utterback, her father Albert Thurston, siblings, Vickie Bebout, Michael Thurston, Lorrie White and Alan Easton, daughter Sue Utterback and birth father, George Easton.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 - 11:30 am on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Wesley’s Chapel in Elizabethtown followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 pm with the Reverend Jonathan Hayes officiating.