WILLIAMSBURG — Penny Pulley, a staple in the Williamsburg education and faith communities, has passed away at the age of 66.
According to her obituary, Pulley was a native of North Carolina and attended college at the University of Maryland. She met her husband, Larry, while working in retail. The two married and had two children, Rachel and Evan. Larry, who was dean of the Mason School of Business at William & Mary, frequently brought Penny along to social events, where she engaged with alumni and friends of the business school.
Pulley most notably served as the President of the Williamsburg-James City County Schools Foundation, a local organization that gives back to the public school system with grants, a teacher supply store and various awards throughout the school year.
Before her death, Pulley was working to plan the organization’s 10th anniversary celebration.
“On behalf of the Foundation, Penny was a dedicated, thoughtful and compassionate leader. She was always full of energy and passionate about the mission of the WJCC Education Foundation. Penny was especially excited about the upcoming events celebrating the Foundation’s 10th anniversary. We will be doing everything possible to realize her vision for these events and for the continuing work of the foundation. Penny was an inspiration to many, and to me personally. She has had a lasting impact on this community and has left a void which will not be easily replaced. We will miss her dearly,” said James Kelly, Acting Chair of the WJCC Education Foundation.
Pulley was also a key member of the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church community, serving as a member of the communications and marketing team and organizing Sunday School classes.
“I was blessed to call Penny a friend for more than 20 years, working alongside her on communications for Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and supporting her on several projects for the Schools Foundation. The shock of her sudden passing is settling into a deep, enduring sadness,” said Sherry Volk, Director of Communications and Media for WPC.
“Penny had an unwavering passion for the church, and her “superpower” was seeing it with fresh eyes every time she walked through its doors — always looking for ways we could be more welcoming and hospitable,” she continued. “The wheels of her mind were always turning: How can we better invite, welcome, and serve both our church family and the wider community? She was an indefatigable, sparkling well of inspiration and action — truly irreplaceable. Our only solace is to carry forward her passion for continual improvement, with the same warmth and playful sense of humor that made her so beloved.”
Ruth Larson, a James City County Supervisor, was a friend of Pulley’s for over 20 years.
“Penny was such a wonderful person. Life has gotten busier, busier, and busier, and people don’t have as much time to give to a lot of causes, but Penny was just one of those people that continued to give and tried to do whatever she could to make her community better. Her efforts were so tremendous,” Larson said.
To remember her friend, Larson has challenged the community to do something in her memory.
“I think her legacy will be so many things, but I also think it’s a challenge to our community. If you have been trying to figure out what to do, do something, because Penny did a lot. We can’t all do a lot, but we can all do something to make our community a better place,” Larson added.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Pulley’s name to the Williamsburg-James City County Schools Foundation.
A memorial service is planned for Pulley on Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.