Back to Obituaries Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA

James Tyrone Penn

10/07/1947 - 12/20/2025

Obituary For James Tyrone Penn

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 β€œLenny” (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.


Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

Elizabeth Porter planted 5 trees in memory of James Tyrone Penn . - December 26, 2025

Plant trees for James Tyrone Penn

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! πŸ™β€οΈπŸ™

Betty Draper Day

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

Standley & Priscilla Hairston

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

Carlo, 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 πŸ’―πŸ™β™₯️

Cal & Meeice

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

Dolly Booker

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

Norma J 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.

Mrs. Rosie Carter

Prayers & Condolences to the Penn Family β£οΈπŸ™

troysydnor2@gmail.com

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

howardkaye9@gmail.com

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. πŸ™ Rest in sweet peace.

Joan Dillard

This is so hard. I'm going to miss you terribly. Rest in Peace TyTy. Love you.

Granita Anglin

Wow my heart is πŸ’”i can't believe my dear friend has gain his new home, you will be truly missed. πŸ™πŸ½πŸ˜’

Joyce M Tarpley

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™₯

Marilyn Howard

Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Leth & Marian Hairston

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! ❀️

Kristen Dillon

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

Eric hairston

Rest our loyal friend we will truly miss you, you always made our day with your phone calls and holiday cards we loved You

Teresa Harris-Donald Harris-Ann Hobson

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

Hazel W. Spencer

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.

Hazel W. Spencer

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

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

Willie Mae and Peter Harris

Rest In Paradise, My Friend!πŸ’”πŸ˜­ My Sincere Condolences And Prayers To The Family!I Love You Tyrone,Now You Can Rest In Paradise!πŸ˜‡πŸ•ŠοΈπŸŒΉπŸ˜”

Carolyn Spencer

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA

Best Sellers

Plant Trees
Plant Trees

$50.00

Beautiful Dreams
Beautiful Dreams

$84.95

Gracious Lavender Basket
Gracious Lavender Basket

$134.95

Serene Lily Basket
Serene Lily Basket

$104.95

Pink Tribute Spray
Pink Tribute Spray

$149.95

Sweet Moments
Sweet Moments

$74.95

Mixed Spray
Mixed Spray

$149.95

Red and White Handled Basket
Red and White Handled Basket

$84.95

Peace & Serenity Dishgarden
Peace & Serenity Dishgarden

$79.95

Traditional Floor Basket
Traditional Floor Basket

$79.95

Ocean Devotion
Ocean Devotion

$79.95

The Peace Lily
The Peace Lily

$94.95

Living Spirit Dishgarden
Living Spirit Dishgarden

$79.95

Red and White Floor Basket
Red and White Floor Basket

$89.95

Mixed flowers in a handled basket
Mixed flowers in a handled basket

$89.95

The Loving Light Dishgarden
The Loving Light Dishgarden

$79.95

Ocean Breeze Spray
Ocean Breeze Spray

$184.95

Precious Heart Bouquet
Precious Heart Bouquet

$84.95

Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket
Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket

$74.95

Sympathy Spray
Sympathy Spray

$159.95

Radiant Foliage Planter
Radiant Foliage Planter

$89.95

Heartfelt Memories
Heartfelt Memories

$94.95

Stately Croton
Stately Croton

$79.95

Medium Dish Garden
Medium Dish Garden

$99.95

Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment
Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment

$79.95