James Tyrone Penn, 78, of Stoney Mountain Road in Martinsville, Virginia, peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at his residence. Born on October 7, 1947, in Martinsville, Virginia, he was the son of the late George W. Penn and Lee Lowe Penn.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Barbara Metoyer, and two brothers, Sherman Penn and Jackie Penn.
Tyrone was a man of lively spirit who cherished being in the presence of his family and friends. Known for his kindness and willingness to help others, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a faithful member of Morning Star Holiness Church in Martinsville, Virginia, where he served as an Usher and was an active member of the kitchen committee. Tyrone was a proud graduate of Albert Harris High School, Class of 1966, and was employed with Bassett Walker for many years until his retirement.
He is survived by one loving sister, Shirley Ann Penn of Martinsville, Virginia, a devoted and special friend, Brenda D. Dickerson of Martinsville, Virginia; her two sons, James βLennyβ (Rhonda) Dickerson, and Rodrickus D. Dickerson both of Martinsville, Virginia; along with a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives and dear friends.
A family visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. until the time of his funeral service at 1:30 p.m. at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home with Elder Tyler Millner, Eulogist. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 869 Parkway Drive, Martinsville, VA.
A public viewing will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Hairston Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. At other times, the family will receive friends at the residence of his sister, Shirley Ann Penn, 408 Swanson Street, Martinsville, Virginia from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.
Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.
Elizabeth Porter planted 5 trees in memory of James Tyrone Penn . - December 26, 2025
Shirley, so very sorry to hear about Tyrone. He was always kind and polite to my mom and dad! And whenever we saw each other when I visited home, he always had the biggest smile on his face! God be with you at this very sad time! πβ€οΈπ
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Tyrone. He was such a joyful and kind person. We didn't know of his passing until looking on Hairston's website. Our prayers are with the family
Tyrone, through your love and grace you continued to show your love for us, long after our mother passed. We will not forget the many cards that you sent to us, reminding us of your Love. Rest in Peace, Love, Carla, Toni and Rica
To: Shirley Ann, and The Penn family Tyrone will always be remembered and cherished for his love, bringing a smile, and creating a good laugh. His personality will be marked forever with an infectious laugh. He clothing style displayed flare, and sag!!! No matter, what was going with Ty, he was always the same!!! Auntie Louise always stated having Penn blood running through your veins- made you extra special!!!! Ty will forever be extra special in our hearts!!! Keep letting the good times roll in Heaven, our precious cousin!!! Forever with Love!!! Cal and Meeice π―πβ₯οΈ
Shirley, I still haven't been able to accept the fact that Tyrone is gone. Each time I came to Martinsville to visit my dad (Lloyd) you and Tyrone came over to visit me. I always looked forward to seeing the two of you. Tyrone called my dad faithfully to check on him every single day. He will truly be missed! Dolly Booker Pittsburgh. PA
My sincere condolences are extended to this great family. I'm indeed shocked to learn of the passing of Tyrone. He was a very nice man. Shirley, be encouraged. God loves you and so do I. Norma Gravely
My sincere condolences to the family of Bro. Tyrone, he will be truly missed at MSHC. We loved you, but God loved you best my friend. Family look to God for comfort and peace who freely gives to all his children who grieves. Rest in peace Bro. Tyrone.
Prayers & Condolences to the Penn Family β£οΈπ
Shirley and family. My sincere condolences to you for the loss of my friend Tyrone. He was real sweetheart and friendly person. He will be missed by all that knew him. Rest in peace my friend. Kaye V. Howard
I'm so sorry to hear of Tyrone's passing he was such a sweet person everytime I would see him he had the sweetest smile and a friendly hi are you today. He will be missed. But remember to be absent from the body is to be present with the lord. π Rest in sweet peace.
This is so hard. I'm going to miss you terribly. Rest in Peace TyTy. Love you.
Wow my heart is πi can't believe my dear friend has gain his new home, you will be truly missed. ππ½π’
Shirley I am so sorry for your loss. Growing up with my Grandmother Fannie and Auntie Anna Lee next door to you and your family was truly a Blessing to me. Tyrone will be miss by me and so many of us. Love You β₯
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Shirley, I deeply will miss our boo coming in and seeing him. I wished I could have made our encounter more special. Sending love and prayers! β€οΈ
Praying for families and friends of Tyrone. I remember him as a great person and willing to help all. We shared the same birthday 10/7. Eric & Sherri Hairston, Hampton, VA
Rest our loyal friend we will truly miss you, you always made our day with your phone calls and holiday cards we loved You
We send our Condolences and Prayers to the Family. May God's Peace Strengthen, Surround and Comfort you in Your Season of Grief. The Life Society, Hazel W. Spencer, President
Shirley, My Condolences and Prayers to the Family. Tyrone was always a friendly person that smiled whenever he saw you. Rest in Peace Cousin Tyrone. Hazel Spencer and Family.
Shirley, your brother was a blessing God gave us pleasure to encounter...Tyrone's high energy will be missed...I will always remember that radiant smile...May he rest in peace... With love your cousin,
Leander and Thomasine Goins
Shirley,we have lost a special person that showed love to everybody! Tyrone we just loved him. You have our prayers and sympathy. It's still hard to believe but God knows all about it even when we don't understand. Love, Willie Mae and Peter Harris
Rest In Paradise, My Friend!ππ My Sincere Condolences And Prayers To The Family!I Love You Tyrone,Now You Can Rest In Paradise!πποΈπΉπ
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.