Penny “Pennae” Akpuru, daughter of the late Jacqueline Wilson Cofield and the late David Earl Cofield, Jr., was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. From a young age, she displayed a vibrant spirit, a kind heart, and a natural ability to bring joy to those around her.

Whether it was her infectious laughter, her caring nature, or her ability to turn any moment into a cherished memory, she was a gift to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She received her formal education in the Harrisburg Public School System and was a 1981 graduate of Harrisburg High School, where she excelled academically and built lifelong friendships. A hardworking and ambitious individual, she pursued a career in Cosmetology, graduating from Empire Beauty School. After graduating from Empire, she worked at Play It Again Sam before she opened her first salon on 19th and Bellevue in Harrisburg and it was only up from there. Family, friends and clients reminisce about the “good ole shop days” when going to the beauty salon was more than a place to get your hair done; it was a community hub where you laughed loudly, and shared stories while flipping through hair and fashion magazines waiting for your turn. Clients stepped out feeling transformed, not just by their hairstyles, but by the comfort, conversation, and connection that made a 1990s beauty salon feel like home. Oh and we can’t forget about the dance team she formed, from this same culture, the “Ptechniques”.

She relocated from Pennsylvania to Atlanta, Georgia, where she established Salon Pennae. It quickly became one of the city's premier hubs for high-end styling and a designated sacred space for client wellness. She earned a global reputation working with a vast network of celebrity clients, media personalities, and civic leaders. She was particularly famous for designing and executing flawless signature short pixie cuts.

Pennae touched countless lives through her extraordinary talent, warm spirit, and unwavering generosity. As a respected celebrity hairstylist and beauty professional, she transformed more than appearances, she uplifted confidence, inspired dreams, and made everyone she encountered feel valued and beautiful. Her chair was more than a place for hair care; it was a place of encouragement, laughter, wisdom, and love.

Later in her career, she expanded her brand into specialized hair care and beauty lines, creating products like the Pixie Posh Mousse under her Lyfe Products label. She launched bespoke mentoring systems, including her elite Penthouse Pampering sessions, where she combined high-end hair design with business strategy for emerging stylists.

Pennae had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She freely shared her knowledge, mentored aspiring stylists, and gave selflessly to those in need. She formalized her roadmap to resilience in her motivational self-help book, “Living Past Your Pain to Live Your Dreams”. She regularly served as an international empowerment speaker at women's leadership galas and beauty expos. She also had a music career and recorded a single called “I’ve Got Myself Together”.

Throughout her life’s journey, Pennae demonstrated remarkable strength, resilience, and grace. Even during challenging times, she remained a source of inspiration to family, friends, and the many clients who became like family to her. Her faith, courage, and determination served as a testimony to all who knew and loved her.

On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Penny “Pennae” took her final breath and transitioned from this life into life eternal rest with Jesus at the Emory Decatur Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Adrian Totton and sister, Tracy Bradshaw, whom we take comfort in knowing welcomed her with open arms.

She leaves to celebrate her life, her son, Jaiden Hunter; her brothers, Darryl A. Cofield, Demetric L. Cofield, Dontez Reid, Romante Allen, Tracey Hedrington and Dana Allen; her sisters, Denise Woodson, Terri Bradshaw and Rhonda Fleming and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and Godchildren. In addition to her loving family, Pennae leaves behind cherished friends, devoted clients and a community that will forever remember her impact. While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her spirit, wisdom, laughter and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever missed.

Her life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in the Chapel of the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in Paxtang Cemetery.