Vertrilla T. Givens (nee Penny) 86, received her angel wings on the evening of Saturday, December 20, 2014. She was born April 15, 1928 in New Madrid, Missouri to Reverend Henry Penny Sr. and Nancy (Withers) Penny. She was the 21st of 24 children. Vertrilla’s parents and her husband, Robert T. Givens Sr., preceded her in death.
Vertrilla accepted Christ as her Lord and Personal Savior at the age of 16 years old. As a child, she attended St. John Baptist Church in Pilot Knob, MO where her father was the pastor. She later became a member of Antioch Baptist Church and was a member for 60 plus years until her passing.
Vertrilla attended grade school in Pilot Knob, MO, graduated from Sumner High School in 1948 and attended Stowe Teacher’s College.
Vertrilla married her high school sweetheart, Robert T. Givens Sr., “My Bob” in 1951. They were married 56 years until his passing in 2008. Their union was blessed with five children, Robert Jr., Vertrilla “Penny”, Catherine, Renita and Lloyd.
After 25 years, Vertrilla retired from McDonnell Douglas in 1990 where she was a supervisor in housekeeping.
Vertrilla loved her family and enjoyed the many occasions they would gather together. Her motto was: “There’s always room for one more.” She instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of accepting Christ as their Lord and Personal Savior.
Vertrilla’s past time was spent with Bob at their home at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1970. She enjoyed going to auctions and shopping, shopping and more shopping!
Vertrilla’s five children, Robert Givens Jr.,Vertrilla “Penny” Rooks, Catherine Givens, Renita (Byron Sr.) Lewis and Lloyd (Shelly) Givens; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren will carry on her legacy. She is also survived by two sisters, Matilda Byrd and Mary Watkins; one brother, Henry Penny Sr.; sisters-in-law, Belma Givens and Armetta Whitmore; one brother-in-law, Dr. Henry Givens Jr.; goddaughter, Samantha Harris and a host of family and friends.
