Amanda Rae Penry

FORT WORTH -- Amanda Rae Penry, 31, of Fort Worth passed away Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015. Graveside service: 11 a.m. Monday in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Fort Worth with Dr. Andy Mangum officiating. A celebration service will follow at 1 p.m. at First Christian Church of Arlington. Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Williams & Lucas Funeral Home, Fort Worth. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Easter Seals North Texas. Amanda was born in Fort Worth on Aug. 29, 1983. She graduated from Eastern Hills High School and went on to earn a bachelor of social work degree with honors from the University of Texas at Arlington. From a young age, Amanda was an advocate for people with disabilities and volunteered in the community including work at the Salvation Army night shelter. Amanda attended Lions Club summer camp and took mission trips with her church. Brave and beautiful, Amanda will remain in our hearts forever. "Nothing can dim the light that shines from within" -- Maya Angelou. Survivors: Husband, Steven Pedersen; mother, Kellie Jo Laxson Gutierrez and husband, Ralph; father, James W. Penry and wife, Carol; grandmothers, Brenda Carothers Hennekes and Ruth Ann Pierson; grandfather, Billy Don Laxson; sisters, Whitney Grimaldo, Traci Penry and Laura Penry; beloved nephews and niece, Gabriel, Jose Isaac and Emily Grimaldo; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, caregivers and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Amanda Rae Penry please visit our Sympathy Store.