Carla "Karlie" Frye Penny

On May 27, 2017, my magnificently beautiful sister, Carla Penny, died unexpectedly. It takes months to get a toxicology report from the coroner, but everyone close to her knew she struggled with post-traumatic stress and alcohol. She was 47 years old. I want to share her story in the hope that lives may be saved and her death not in vain. As a child, Carla was a treasure and was loved deeply by her mother, brother, and sisters. We were so close, and we all came together and supported one another when our father would get abusive. I feel like we each helped one another survive as we were growing up, because there were many times when I feared that we would not make it to 18 years old. When a father is abuses his children, the pain can linger for decades and can impact their families, as well. Carla was drop-dead gorgeous, full of energy and fun, and always lit up a room with her smile and laughter. She was independent and successful as a hair stylist, and she was well suited to work in the beauty profession. She had a beautiful family, with three gorgeous daughters and a handsome son, who all loved her very much. She was a terrific mother, taking care of four young children and living in an apartment, before the trauma of her past overwhelmed her emotionally and alcohol took over. The day Carla died, a part of us died along with her. We will miss her every day for the rest of our lives. The pain of her death is heartbreaking and intolerable, which is why everyone should know her story. Carla, you have now found the peace that you so desperately searched for here on earth. When you were young, you trusted Jesus as your Savior, and that fact is the biggest reason that we can smile through the pain. I know that Jesus was there to embrace you and to wipe your tears away, and that heaven is even more joyful now that you are there. I also know how happy you are there, and you’re ecstatic to know how many people loved you and have been truly affected by your life. Carla will be greatly missed by her three daughters, Savannah Penny, Reiley Penny, and Reagan Penny; her son, Carter Penny; her baby granddaughter Callie Penny; her mother, Dorothy Sue Frye (Tucker); her brother’s family: Scott, Pam, Fallon, and Karsen Frye; her sister’s families: Lynette, Darren, and Chloe Hamrick; Tracy, Cliff, Christina, and Molly Winchester; and Veronica, Rusty, and Dalton Harris; and many, many other friends and relatives. A celebration of Life service will be Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 11:00AM at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 9Am until 11Am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Trussville City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions be made to Carla’s GoFundMe Memorial Fundraiser, to pay for her memorial service.

Carla "Karlie" Frye Penny

May 31, 1969 - May 27, 2017