
Celebrating the Life of
September 8, 1945 — September 13, 2024
On Friday, September 13, 2024, Penelope "Penny" Hissem, 79, of Nellysford, VA, rode off into the sunset, singing "Happy Trails to You". She is no longer in pain.
She was preceded in death by her father Col. Dexter M. Green, USAF retired and her mother Dorothy B. James.
She is survived by her husband, Alan Hissem; son, Chris Johnson (Nancy); granddaughter, Noelle Harbin (Colter); great grandson, Lane Harbin; brother, Dexter Brock Green (Julia); nieces and nephews, Katherine Glass; Keith Knight (Souad); Seth Green (Sarah); Noah Green (Elizabeth); and great nieces and nephews, Kayleigh Glass Sistrunk (Darrion); Farris Knight; Sammy Knight; Lu Green; Theo Green; and Phoebe Green.
Penny was born in Pasadena, California on September 8, 1945. She had a very blessed life and traveled all over the world. She spent the majority of her high school years at General HH Arnold High School in Germany, then moved to Hampton, Virginia and graduated from Hampton High School in 1963, and Southern Seminary Junior College in 1965. She worked in the dental field from 1964 to 2010 before she retired.
Penny was also an avid horsewoman, and was a riding instructor at Langley Air Force Base, Fort Eustis, Kentucky Farms, as well as several private barns for over 30 years.
Penny had friends all over the world and truly never met a stranger. She had a larger-than-life personality and a "never grow up" attitude that helped her live life to the very fullest. She always hoped that she would continue to live on in the memories of the many lives she touched.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Penny's honor on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 2-5pm at the Fox Hill Road Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 335 Fox Hill Rd, Hampton, VA 23669.

Saturday, October 12, 2024, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Eastern Time
335 Fox Hill Rd, Hampton, VA 23669
A Celebration of Life will be held in Penny's honor on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 2-5pm at the Fox Hill Road Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 335 Fox Hill Rd, Hampton, VA 23669.
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
A good friend for a very long time. She was lucky to find Alan. They made each other happy and there isn't anything more than you can ask in life. Will miss her.
Penny was my beautiful step-sister. Our parents married after we were both grown with children of our own but we were sisters the moment we met. I will always remember our times together, the laughs especially. Sleep in peace, sweet Penny.
Penny was my first riding instructor for a while at LAFB Stables after I was bitten by the horse bug one summer at Girl Scout Camp. That association led to a total change in my young life. She taught my sister as well. She was a leader of our 4-H Club, the Stablemates. We had so many adventures with Penny leading us and supporting so many of us in our horse journeys. She was an Angel on earth and meant so much to so many kids growing up in the 1970s. Ride on lovely lady. I hope to see you again someday.
Penny was such a kind, generous, loving soul. She was so lively and loved sharing her home, time, and talents with everyone. She will be missed.
Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)

Penny was always the larger than life figure, who was the best friend of my mother, from Germany. There were MANY stories, and photos, and letters, and phone calls.... she was breeze into town now and then with the force of a hurricane and wrap you in a warm hug like you were her long lost friend. She was warm and caring, and there for you when you needed her most. In my mother's last days she flew into town within hours to hold her hand and say things that needed to me said and hold me and my Uncle. Penny was a force to be reckoned with no matter how badly her knees or whatnot hurt. She will be remembered for the size of her heart and her smile! I hope my Mom welcomed you with open arms and you two are creating havoc :)








Heaven has another Super Nova bright star. Penny sparkled wherever she was. She was a loyal and true friend with the biggest heart and most generous soul. I love her dearly. She will live on in the many hearts she touched. To have known Penny means you were truly blessed. Rest in peace and without pain "my Penny". ❤️

Heaven has another Super Nova bright star. Penny sparkled wherever she was. She was a loyal and true friend with the biggest heart and most generous soul. I love her dearly. She will live on in the many hearts she touched. To have known Penny means you were truly blessed. Rest in peace and without pain "my Penny". ❤️

2006
We have been good friends and neighbors with Penny and Alan since we moved to the Spruce Creek Community 6 years ago. We instantly connected and enjoyed dinners at restaurants together, playing cards together, having Penny and Alan to our home for holidays and birthdays and joining them at their home for Christmas, summer pool parties, and HOA meetings. Penny was the brightest star everywhere she went and we will miss her terribly. We always enjoyed her company and she was the best at telling some great jokes! Penny’s loyalty to others was incredible and she would go out of her way to help people in need. The world has lost an amazing woman.

Christmas party at Penny and Alan’s home

A birthday dinner for Penny at The Green Leaf restaurant

Christmas dinner at a restaurant in Waynesboro

Penny and Alan’s Christmas party 2018
Dear Alan, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so very sorry to hear this, but know that Penny is pain free and healthy in the spiritual world. Love to you, Barb
Sorry for your loss. Sending Condolences 💐 from Tony and lo Puccolo family / Giuseppe restaurant. She will be miss see. Appreciate her kindness and she done for me and my family❤️❤️❤️
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