Mrs. Beulah Abner Penn, 93, of Corbin, passed away Tuesday evening, May 12, 2026 at The Heritage in Corbin. She was born February 11, 1933 at Mills, the daughter of the late Isaac and Etta Smith Jackson.
In 1950, she united in marriage with John D. Abner and to this union five children were born. Later in 1992, she united in marriage with Paul S. Penn, who preceded her in death.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Sarah J. Payne, Vernie Gambrel, Roberta Bryant and Louise Jackson; brothers, Howard Jackson and Isaac Jackson Jr. and a son-in-law, Ronnie Corey.
Survivors include her loving children, Brenda R. Corey of Gray, Carley J. Abner and wife, Shirley, of Clarksville, GA, John S. Abner and wife, Denise, of Gray, Rebecca L. Cain of Corbin and Mark D. Abner and wife, Rhonda, of Barbourville; sisters, Thelma Johns and husband, Russell, of Nicholasville and Margaret Taylor of Gausdale; cherished grandchildren, Regina L. Smith and husband, Mike, Rhonda L. Hogan and husband, Grant, Casey J. Corey and wife, Amy, Jeremy S. Abner and wife, Valerie, Brandon H. Evans and wife, Emily, Zachary I. Cain and wife, Brianna, Isaac L. Abner and wife, Kayla, and Andrew J. Abner and wife, Tiffany; great grandchildren, Cory Smith, Kate Hogan, David Hogan, Jacyi Robbins, Ellie Goff, Jansen Abner, Hillery Evans, Harlyn and Anniston Cain, Titus, Isabella, Aiden and Eden Abner and great-great grandchildren, Hudson and Marshall Smith.
In addition to her beloved children and grandchildren, Beulah shared a special bond with her niece and nephew, Wayne Bryant and Joyce Landrum. Her nieces and nephews affectionately referred to her as “Aunt Tootsie,” a name that reflected the love and closeness she shared with her family.
In addition to being a loving mother, grandmother and aunt, Beulah was especially known for her tireless work ethic. She often said, “If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right”, a philosophy that she carried into every aspect of her life.
Beulah began her working career at the Baldwin Piano Company in Cincinnati, Ohio where she worked faithfully for ten years. After returning home to Kentucky, she became employed at the Warner garment factory in Barbourville, dedicating seventeen years of service there.
Driven by a desire to care for others and further her education, Beulah was encouraged by her sister, Vernie, to pursue Licensed Practical Nurse training. After successfully completing the program, she continued her education at Cumberland College, where she earned her associate degree and fulfilled her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. She was a believer in, and a great example of, the power of education to improve one’s quality of life.
Beulah devoted her nursing career to caring for the people of her community at the Knox County General Hospital. She was a member of the original group of nurses and doctors who started the hospital’s first Intensive Care Unit in 1985. Through hard work, leadership and dedication, she eventually became Director of Nursing, a role she carried with professionalism and pride.
After 15 years of service to the hospital, Beulah started a new chapter of her nursing career with Baptist Regional Medical Center in Corbin. It was there where she was credited by hospital management as having played a key role in the creation and development of the hospital’s first Physical Rehabilitation Department. She retired from nursing 16 years later.
Outside of her career, Beulah found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved cooking for those she loved, maintaining an immaculately clean home and spending time caring for her lawn and beautiful flower gardens. She also enjoyed playing the piano and singing old hymns, filling her life with music and faith. Above all, Beulah cherished attending church services and Bible studies. It was her unwavering faith in God that guided and sustained her throughout the difficult times in her life. She will be remembered as the beautiful woman she was, a true Christian lady who cared for everyone from the heart. Her legacy of service, strength and devotion will continue to shine like golden embers in the night for all who knew and loved her.
Her funeral service will be conducted at the First Baptist Church of Barbourville Saturday, May 16 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Bobby Joe Eaton officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Fisher Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be her grandsons, Casey Corey, Scott Abner, Brandon Evans, Zachary Cain, Isaac Abner, Andrew Abner, Mike Smith, Cory Smith and Grant Hogan.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Heritage for the excellent care and compassion shown to Beulah during her time as a resident there. A very special thank you is extended to Josh Gray and Tammy Gilbert for their kindness, support and exceptional care.
Friends may visit at the church Saturday after 12 Noon until the funeral hour.
Expressions of sympathy may go to the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory via the following link: https://donorservices.alz.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
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