Pennie Epperson was born and raised in Hutchinson, Kansas, the fourth child of Milton and Vera O’Neal. Her parents were converts to the Church and were baptized two years before her birth. Shortly after, her father was called to serve as the Branch President of the Hutchinson Branch. There was a running joke among members that it was “tradition” for the wife of a newly called branch president to become pregnant soon after her husband was set apart. Vera insisted that their family was complete with three children but the Lord had other plans. Not long after Milton received his calling, Vera became pregnant once again. Pennie often says that without the gospel of Jesus Christ, she “literally” would not be here.Growing up in a small branch in a small town, where Church members were few and far between, played a significant role in helping her build a strong foundation for her testimony. She and her younger sister were the only members of the Church in their elementary, middle, and high schools. Despite this, she was blessed with friends outside the Church who supported her and respected her standards. From an early age, she understood that her testimony was her own and that she wanted to be a wise steward of it. She met her husband, Tim, at a Stake Conference in the 13th Street building—now the Kansas Wichita Mission Home—in 1979. They were married two years later in the Salt Lake City Temple, the same temple where both of their parents had been sealed. Together, they have three children and twelve grandchildren. With their family spread across three different states, they travel often to stay connected.Throughout their marriage, she has embraced a variety of roles: stay-at-home mom, bookstore clerk, customer relations representative, and for the past twelve years, a paraprofessional in high school, middle school, and elementary school settings.Her hobbies include decorating, crocheting, baking, listening to podcasts, studying the scriptures, and enjoying quiet time at home whenever possible.Her Church service has been a profound blessing in her life. She has served in numerous callings, including Primary teacher, counselor in the Primary, Relief Society 1st and 2nd  Counselor, Relief Society President, Relief Society teacher, Young Women advisor, 1st and 2nd Counselor in Young Women, Young Women President, Relief Society Compassionate Service Leader, Primary Activity Day Leader, Cub Scout Leader, ministering sister, and currently, Stake Communication Director.

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