Eleanor Joyce Penland

Eleanor Joyce Garner Penland, age 86, of Dallas, Georgia passed peacefully to her heavenly home on Friday, February 13, 2026. She is survived by her loving husband of over 64 years, Fred Penland, son, Kenneth (Bobbie) Penland of Cookeville, Tennessee and daughter, Susan (Buford) Jones of Dallas, Georgia. She was the proud Grammy of five beautiful grandchildren, Troy (Brooke) Jones of Bellevue, Nebraska, Madison (Daniel) Hawkins of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Jake (Montanna) Penland of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Steven Jones of Dallas, Georgia, and Will Penland of Cookeville, Tennessee. Most recently she became a Great-Grammy to her precious grandsons, Griffin Jones and Luke Penland. In addition, she was blessed with a bonus daughter, Kerstin (Howard) Benden and their children, Benjamin Valdes and Ella Benden. Eleanor also leaves behind her loving companion, her beautiful cat, Mallie, who was always by her side. 

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, JK and Hattie Garner, her sister Betty Tindol, and her beloved nephew, David Evans. 

Born on October 23, 1939 in Atlanta, Georgia, she grew up in the heart of the city and attended Murphy High School. Her love of education and serving others led her to Georgia College for Women in Milledgeville, Georgia where she graduated with a degree in Education. She began her teaching career at Lilburn High School, where she taught Home Economics. She later discovered her love of teaching students with special needs at Stone Mountain High School. In addition to her time in the classroom, Eleanor also worked as a principal’s secretary at several schools in Dekalb County, Georgia. After retirement, she and her family settled in Dallas, Georgia where she continued to pour into young lives as a substitute teacher in Cobb County, particularly Allatoona High School. She especially loved working with students in Band and Orchestra. 

Eleanor loved her family fiercely and supported her children in every activity they pursued. She was a Team Mother, Camp Chaperone, Band Mom, Sunday School Teacher, and volunteer in countless other roles. That same devotion extended to her grandchildren. She rarely missed a band concert, football game, or graduation. Affectionately known as “Class Grammy” and “Band Grammy, she attended field trips, worked concessions, and participated in school activities whenever she could. 

Deeply grounded in her Christian faith, Eleanor was actively involved in church throughout her life. She and her family were former members of Belvedere Baptist Church (now Lilburn Oaks Baptist Church), Fortified Hills Baptist Church, and Lost Mountain Baptist Church. At the time of her passing, she was a faithful member of Pickett’s Mill Baptist Church. Over the years, she sang in the choir, served as a greeter, worked in hospitality ministry, and treasured her weekly Bible Study with dear friends. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the 4th floor IMCU medical staff at Wellstar Paulding Hospital for the love and care that they provided so well to Eleanor over the past week. We are beyond grateful for their tireless efforts and dedication to her care. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at West Cobb Funeral Home at 2:00 pm. with Dr. John Connell and Dr. Johnny Nix officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm prior to the service.

A private burial will follow at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park in Marietta, Georgia.