Lynda B. Penland

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, Lynda Anne Barwick Penland's earthly journey of faith became sight as she entered Heaven, welcomed with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful... Enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:21)

Born on September 9, 1961, in Dublin, GA, Lynda's life was marked by kindness, loyalty, and a deep love for the people God placed in her life. She made others feel seen, remembered, and cherished through a thoughtful phone call, a listening ear, or a simple question about how someone was doing. She faithfully remembered birthdays, anniversaries, milestones, and prayer requests, often sending handwritten cards to let others know they were loved. She never sought attention for herself. Her greatest joy was knowing that those around her felt cared for and encouraged.

Family was at the center of Lynda's heart. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, daughter / sister-in-law, aunt, and friend whose steady presence was the thread that tied her family together.

Lynda was deeply devoted to her husband, Doug, and their daughter, Beth Anne. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Whether creating photo calendars, celebrating milestones, or planning special outings, Lynda was committed to helping Beth Anne experience the fullness of life. Lynda lovingly called Beth Anne her "sweetie," a term of endearment she also shared with her niece, Adriana.

Lynda was also known for her remarkable work ethic. A true wiz with numbers, she spent more than thirty years serving customers in the financial industry with diligence and excellence. She dedicated much of her career to Household Finance before concluding her professional journey at Safe Federal Credit Union, where she was respected for her knowledge, dependability, and caring spirit.

Lynda's servant heart was evident in the way she cared for her family. She helped care for both her mother and mother-in-law in their later years. After her mother's passing in 2025, she became her father's faithful companion and, as he often described her, his "right hand." She made multiple trips each week to spend time with him, sharing meals, offering companionship, and helping with daily needs.

She also served her church families, often sharing her musical gifts by playing the piano whenever needed. Music was one of her lifelong loves, along with butterflies, sparkling jewelry, beautiful purses, and the color pink. These things brought her joy, but they were always secondary to what mattered most: the people she loved.

Throughout her journey with cancer, Lynda demonstrated quiet strength and unwavering faith. She always asked for prayer before treatments and procedures and deeply valued those prayers.

Lynda's life reflected the words of Proverbs 3:3-4, "Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard with God and people." Lynda’s legacy of kindness, devotion, and selfless love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Lynda is survived by her husband, Douglas Penland, of Eastover, SC; her beloved daughter, Beth Anne Penland; her father, William Barwick; her siblings, Doris “Beth” Noltkamper, Ruthann “Rae” Gunter, Robert Barwick (Jan), John Barwick (Linda), Brenda Perdue, Michael Barwick (Dora Jane), Mary Madewell (Kevin) and Lee Ann Johnson (Jeff); her sister-in-law, Valerie Hancock (Jim); numerous much-loved nieces and nephews and two dear friends, Jackie and Kathy Morgan.

Lynda was preceded in death by her mothers, Dorothea Barwick and Evelyn Brock; her nephew, Ellis Barwick; and her in-laws, William and Margaret Penland.

The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Rd, Columbia, SC 29209 on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 11:30 AM, with a celebration of life service to immediately follow in the Chapel at 1:00 PM. An interment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Rd, Columbia, SC 29209, following the celebration of life service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and/or the International Rett Syndrome Foundation in honor of Lynda's life. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105

International Rett Syndrome Foundation 4500 Cooper Road, Suite 204 Cincinnati, OH 45242