News Summary
The Williamsburg community is mourning the loss of Penny Shelton Pulley, a devoted leader and beloved family member, who passed away recently. Known for her extraordinary contributions to education and her warm spirit, Penny’s influence touched many lives. As the President of the Williamsburg-James City County Schools Foundation and an active member of the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, her legacy in community service will be honored at a memorial service. Friends and family are coming together to celebrate her life and the impact she made.
Williamsburg Community Mourns Penny Shelton Pulley
The Williamsburg community is in mourning following the death of Penny Shelton Pulley, a cherished leader and family member, who passed away on July 28, 2025, at the age of sixty-six. Her contributions to the local community and her family’s lives have left a profound impact that will be felt for years to come.
Personal Life and Family
Penny was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth Edward Shelton and Nancy Jo Bailey Shelton. Her father served as a Marine Corps Officer, emphasizing a family history of dedication and service. Penny attended public school in Jacksonville and continued her education in college at the University of Maryland while her father was stationed in Morocco.
Before her marriage to Lawrence (Larry) B. Pulley, Penny worked in retail. After they wed, she devoted herself to her family, becoming a supportive partner and a nurturing mother to their two children, Rachel and Evan. Rachel later referred to Penny as her “second mother” due to the close bond they shared. Penny was also a proud grandmother, affectionately known as “Omi,” to her grandchildren, Abby and Leo, who are eighteen months old.
To support her family, Penny frequently took the train to Washington D.C. to help care for her grandchildren during the week when they were infants. She was not only a maternal figure to her children but also a beloved presence in their lives.
Community Involvement and Leadership
Penny’s dedication extended beyond her family; she was actively involved in the Williamsburg-James City County Schools Foundation, where she served as President of the Board since 2019. Her leadership played a transformational role in the Foundation, and she was preparing for its ten-year celebration, scheduled for October, at the time of her passing. This commitment underscores her dedication to improving educational opportunities within the community.
In addition to her role in education, Penny contributed significantly to the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, where she helped with communications and marketing efforts and served as a key organizer of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. Her vibrant personality and genuine kindness made her a beloved member of the congregation and the wider community.
Professionals within the community have noted that she was instrumental in facilitating relationships with alumni and friends of the W&M Mason School of Business, where Larry Pulley is associated. Her ability to connect with others left a lasting impression on those she encountered.
Legacy and Memorial Service
In addition to her husband, children, and grandchildren, Penny is survived by her sister and best friend, Libby Jo Horner, along with her husband Tom, and her brother Mark Edward Shelton and his wife Melanie. The deep ties Penny had within the Williamsburg community are evident as her passing has left a significant void among friends and family alike.
A memorial celebration for Penny Shelton Pulley is scheduled for August 15 at 2:00 PM at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. Memorial gifts in her honor can be made to the WJCC Schools Foundation, with an address available for contributions. This event promises to bring together those who knew her best, allowing the community to honor her memory and legacy.
The untimely loss of Penny Shelton Pulley has resonated throughout Williamsburg, demonstrating the powerful influence one individual can have within their community. Her passion for family, education, and personal connections will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Celebrating 50 Years of Canine Companions in Williamsburg
Leader the Rottweiler Named USO’s 2024 Canine Volunteer of the Year
Remembering Charles Edward Cockrell: A NASA Pioneer and Community Leader
Community Mourning the Loss of Kelly Carroll
Spark by Hilton Opens in Williamsburg Historic Area
Beloved Veteran and Community Member Howard Kirk Mardis Passes Away
Tribute to John H. Olson: Engineering Leader and Family Man
Community Mourns the Loss of Bernie Wilson
Community Mourns the Loss of Local Matriarch
Ebo Fauber, Renowned Architect and Community Leader, Passes Away
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Penny Pulley
- WYDaily: WJCC Schools Foundation Awards
- Daily Press: Commentary on Greener Future
- Wikipedia: Williamsburg, Virginia
- Legacy: John Moore Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States
- WYDaily: WJCC Schools Honors Teachers
- Google Search: WJCC Schools
- WYDaily: WJCC Teachers Grant Eligibility
- Google News: Penny Pulley
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
