Penny Lumpkin

Penelope Ann Palmer Lumpkin passed away on November 16, 2024 at Midland Care Hospice in Topeka, KS, surrounded by her loving family. Penny was born in Topeka on August 20, 1939 to William Hopkins Palmer and Vivian Tracey Palmer. She graduated from The Bishop's School in LaJolla, California and attended both the University of Arizona and the University of Kansas where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Penny married Joseph Henry Lumpkin on November 26, 1960. Penny and Joe were blessed with two children, William Henry (Hank) Lumpkin, born 1965 and Kelley Kathleen Lumpkin, born 1968.

In 1961 Penny, along with her mother and sister, opened and operated Vivian's until closing in 1993. Penny's professional life continued with her involvement with Palmer News, Inc., the Palmer Companies, and the Town Crier retail stores, as head of operations. She served her community in many ways, including President of the Junior League of Topeka and President of the Topeka chapter of the American Cancer Society. Penny was a long-term member of the Board of Directors for the Security Benefit Group/Guggenheim.

She is survived by daugther Kelley, her grandchildren Griffin Lumpkin, Grayson Lumpkin, Hartley Reynolds and husband Connor Reynolds, her sister Polly Brunkhardt, nephew Bill Brunkhardt, and niece Jennifer Burdick Metcalf. Penny was preceded in death by her husband Joe, son Hank, and newphew Ben Brunkhardt.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society or the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Funeral Services will be at 10am on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Grace Cathedral Church.

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