Georgia Lenora Pena left this life peacefully at her family home in Muleshoe Texas on January 26, 2016. She was born December 1931 in Farmington, New Mexico to Stanley & Wilma White. The family moved to Fort Sumner, New Mexico in 1939, where she attended school and began her life of service to others.

Georgia found her passion early in life by turning her challenges into determination. Georgia had childhood polio, and traveled to Albuquerque several years for treatment. It was impossible for her family to cover the cost and complexity of these trips, so people in Fort Sumner assisted with transportation and funds when possible. This generosity not only saved her life, but also set her on a journey of service.

During her years of treatment, she saw so many others with severe, crippling conditions. Even as a child, Georgia wanted to reach out to the unfortunate and desolate. She would bring books to read to patients who were bedridden, or she would brush their hair to comfort them. Eventually her polio was cured, but her dedication to service remained steadfast through life.

After high school, Georgia desperately wanted to attend college, but her family did not have money to pay her way. Through a gift from a private benefactor, which was never revealed, she was able to attend New Mexico State University. However, the college fund only covered a portion of expenses. Determined, Georgia worked two jobs on campus for her room & board. Within three years, she graduated with a degree in Business Administration.

After moving to Muleshoe, Georgia was given an opportunity for a career in education, when she received an offer from the Muleshoe School System. She needed a Teacher’s Certification to teach long-term. Georgia continued to work full-time, and commuted to Canyon, Texas (200 miles round trip) on nights and weekends for 3 years. She received the Teacher Certification, and also earned a Master’s Degree. Georgia proudly served as a Reading & English teacher for many years, finishing her career as Director of Federal Programs for Muleshoe ISD, a position she held for 25 years.

Georgia touched many lives with her compassion for students far beyond their education. September 2001, she was honored by the State Board of Education in Austin with the District 15 “Hero for Children Award.” She said that was the most cherished recognition ever accorded her by an organization. Georgia’s philosophy of education is “Respect every child as a child of God and never ‘give up’ on any child”.

Only her love for God exceeded her love of family. Georgia & Benny grew up in Ft. Sumner. After he returned from the Army, they were married in February 1953. They spent all 57 years of their marriage, cherishing their four children. Three daughters: Kathryn Jacobs of San Antonio Texas; Patricia Pena who passed away in October of 1990; Christina Ybarra with her husband Francisco of Amarillo Texas; one son: Benjamin R. Pena with his wife Selina of Boerne,Texas; one grandson, Arthur Pena with his wife Leah of Dallas Texas; one granddaughter Sierra Alexis Ybarra of Amarillo Texas; and one great grandson in Arthur’s family, Graham David.

Georgia’s wishes were to be cremated and joined with the ashes of husband Benny, who died in 2011. The children will release the ashes together again into eternity. A celebration of her life will be held in the United Methodist Church in Muleshoe on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 10:30AM.

The family suggests donations be made to either Muleshoe ISD M.O.S.T. Scholarship Fund, 514 W Ave G, Muleshoe, TX, 79347, phone number 806-272-7400 or to First Methodist Church in Muleshoe – R.O.C.K. Program, 507 W Second, P.O. Box 505, Muleshoe, TX, 79347, phone number 806-272-5517. To leave condolences in honor of Georgia, please visit www.ellisfuneralhomes.com.

Praise God for giving us the joyful life of Georgia Pena, we are all better for knowing & loving her.

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