Penny Hardaway passed away in Alpine on Monday, March 2, at the age of 83. Penny was born in Houston on November 15, 1942. She was an accomplished pianist and vocalist from a young age, playing piano and singing in her church. She received her teaching degree in music from the University of Houston and moved to Ft Stockton to begin her teaching career. There, she met and married William Hale Hardaway Sr. in 1966 and began a family. In 1970, they moved to Alpine.

Penny’s love of music continued to be a central part of her life. She earned a master’s degree in music from Sul Ross and became involved in the local theatre community, playing parts and providing music in summer musicals for many years. She played piano and organ in several of the community’s churches. She also gave piano lessons for many years to the young people in the community.

Her passion for music and learning did not stop with the piano and singing. During her many years of life, she learned to play the Autoharp, a ukulele, and played percussion in the community band.

Worship through music was a calling for Penny. She spent the last several years playing piano and singing at the First Christian Church in Alpine, right up until her last day of life.

Penny is survived by her children, Wendy Werneking and Billy Hardaway, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Pauline Reynolds, her brother, Benjamin Reynolds Jr., and her husband, William H. Hardaway Sr.

Penny will be remembered for years to come for the joyful noise she made to the Lord.

A memorial service is planned for March 31 at The First Christian Church in Alpine at 2 p.m., with refreshments to be served after in the Lady Terry Room next door.