WILMINGTON — On August 19, 2026, Laura Rebecca “Becky” Pennington Reaves became one of God’s precious Angels. She passed peacefully in her home due to avery brief illness.
Becky was born on September 7, 1946, in Alamance County, North Carolina. She lived in Burlington for a while, and then her family moved to Wilmington. She was a graduate of New Hanover High School and attended the Miller Mott Business School in Wilmington.
Becky was preceded in death by her parents –Clarence Edward and Dorthea Woodin Penington and her two brothers – Richard Lawrence Pennington (wife: Bessie) and Paul Terry Pennington.
Becky leaves behind a loving family and caring friends, who will forever cherish her memory and the love she brought into their lives.
Becky was a Christian and a member of the Cape Fear Presbyterian Church. She was employed by the Port of Wilmington for many years as the Chief Dispatcher of trucks delivering goods to the port, and she was greatly respected by the employees she supervised.
She was an animal lover. And over the years, Becky owned some unusual critters, such as a huge pot-bellied pig and a blind poodle. She thoroughly enjoyed watching all sorts of animal shows on TV and reading heartwarming stories about different animals. Becky was interested in the wild critters that visited her yard at night, and she always made sure they had water and a midnight snack, and that’s how her little, kitty cat came into her life. Becky took in the stray and named her Spot.
She spent a lot of time with her best friends and devoted neighbors. They kept in touch with her and visited often. Becky truly enjoyed their company, especially during ACC basketball season; she was a big UNC-CH fan. Becky was loving, kind, humble, and a little quirky at times. Her presence will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington on September 19, at 3:30PM. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to a charity of their choice.
