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Obituary For Penny "Pennae" Akpuru
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.
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TRACCI JOHNSON sent Graceful Wreath for Penny "Pennae" Akpuru - June 05, 2026
Canisia Burdette sent Sympathy Spray for Penny "Pennae" Akpuru - June 05, 2026
Shawn Mallard sent Beautiful Dreams for Penny "Pennae" Akpuru - June 05, 2026
Penny will be missed dearly, Condolences to the Family, Peace I always enjoyed my time with her and our chats. Miss you penny...rest in peace. Bellevue crew..
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To the Cofield Family, my sincere condolences. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Penny "Pennae" was my hair therapist in both locations, PA. and GA. Although I moved from Georgia and lost contact, I often times thought about her. My continued prayers will be with the family.
Sending my condolence to the family.
What a beautiful person inside and out. God Bless her sweet soul
My deepest condolences to Jaiden and the Coffield family. I am truly going to miss you my sister friend. We started as stylist/client on Wesley Chapel and over the years we became sisters that shared laughter, tears, and prayers. When my son passed, you were right there with support. I love you dear sister, job well done. You shined your light on the world and now the heavens are so much brighter. Rest well dear sister.
To my "Auntie".... Thank you for accepting me with open arms as if I was one of your own. You always told me that you loved me every time I saw you. Your laugh was contagious and you had the most beautiful smile. I appreciate you for being in my life and teaching me what it means and looks like to be classy, carry yourself with confidence, and hold your head up high no matter what!
I love you!
My love and condolences go out to the family, friends, and clients of "Auntie".
Praying for comfort for the family and many friends of Pen.
I will keep all the memories very close. She has touched us all. My heart is broken. 😞 I called you Lil Sis. Our early beginnings from the PJs to being roommates in California we always had each others back.
You will be deeply missed but I know if we all get to a quiet place and meditate we can hear your laughter and feel the presence of your beautiful smile just radiating around us. No more pain Lil Sis. You've added value to so many of our lives. I'm just so glad I shared that with you eye ball to eyeball how much you have meant. I will continue to live through the pain and wear a big smile. (Thinking of you and your book) Flying here from California 6hrs with sciatic back pain just for you is an example and well worth it.
Rest well Lil Sis in glory 🙏 🤲 ❤️
My beautiful stepmother. I will truly miss you and our conversations. Thank you for continuing to be apart of my life. Rest easy. We have Jaiden covered ♥️
My condolences to Jaiden and the Cofield family. May GOD give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Rest in Heavenly Peace my Childhood Friend, I will forever cherish the wonderful memories we've shared growing up in the Smith Homes. To the Family I send my sincere condolences to each and everyone of you, her soul is resting, oh what a Blessing. Weeping May Endure for a Night, But Joy Comes in the Morning. Stephanie Williams, Austell, Georgia.
Rest in peace Sweet Penny. Class of 1981 Harrisburg High School.
💐 I met Pennae in 2010 while living in Buckhead. She would always share her testimony with me of how God had delivered her, and healed her body. For years I have shared her inspirational testimony, as it left an indelible impression on my life. She was such a genuinely sweet person. You could tell that she wanted the best for everyone. That distinct voice will forever be missed! 😔
As stated on Facebook, Penny was a next door neighbor in the Smith Homes; Penny had a way of letting you know that she was going to pursue a career in cosmetology; it was in her blood, her mom was always doing hair or cooking or calling for the kids as many project Mothers did; they also looked out for one another's kids. Penny is greatly missed by many. Deepest Condolences to her husband and family.
Penny, you find eternal rest. My deepest condolences to the family and friends; may your cherished memories provide comfort and strength during this difficult time.
My deepest deepest condolences to the family and friends. God bless you, penny. We're all family, and you will be truly missed with love, always. The DUBOIS SHOFFNER FAMILY GOD BLESS YOU ALL 🙏 ❤️ ♥️ 💖 💕 💙 🙏
My heart goes out to Jaiden and family. Sending you so much love-love and peace.
I am sending sincere condolences to Penny's family. May God's love comfort her family and friends as you navigate through such a difficult time.
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I do not know where to start. Pennae was truly an amazing and brilliant woman in every way but more than that, she is a friend forever. She truly touched my heart and instilled great values into my life., I send peace and healing to her family. Pennae is in the hands of our Savior. I love you always!
My Condolences to Pennae family w ❤️ and comfort 🙏🏾.
Sending you love and strength as you navigate through this heartbreaking moment my condolences to your family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
