Bernard Penn, Sr.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Bernard Penn Sr. was born on February 13, 1956, to the late Clarence Penn, Sr. and Juanita Oden Penn. Bernard departed this life on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Forest Manor Nursing Home. He just slept away from us.

He was united in Holy Matrimony to Melodie Alexander-Penn, and to this union two children were born: Bernard Isaac Penn Jr. and Victoria Lauren Penn. He was also blessed with two bonus children, Keitisha Young and Keith L. Young, Jr.

Bernard graduated from Covington High School in 1975. He then went on to further his education, receiving a bachelor’s degree from Grambling State University in Therapeutic Recreation and a master’s degree from Southern University.

Bernard became the Recreational Therapy Supervisor at Southeast Louisiana Hospital and the facilitator of PRIDE (currently Action Youth and Community Resource).

He was often called “Cosell” by his friends and family because he loved to talk sports. He loved the Saints and could tell you anything about any sport and its players. Above all, he had such a huge heart and would help anyone with WHATEVER was needed.

He was baptized at a young age at Greater Starlight Missionary Baptist Church. He later joined Doughty Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he faithfully worked and helped build the ministry. Bernard attended church until his health declined. He deeply loved his family and was deeply loved in return. Known as the peacekeeper, he brought calm and dignity to every situation.

He was preceded in death by his parents; bonus son, Keith Young, Jr.; four brothers, Henry Penn, Clarence Penn, Jr., Larry Penn and James West; and two sisters, Ruby Mae Penn and Laura Vick.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving, devoted wife, Melodie Penn; his daughter, Victoria Penn; his son, Bernard Penn Jr.; bonus daughter, Keitisha Young; six grandchildren, Adia Rascoe, Brianna, Kennedi, Keith III, and Kenyslei Young, and Vanessa Dotson; two great grandchildren, Brielle Young and Jameson Rascoe; his mother-in-law, Helen Alexander; six brothers, Johnny Lee, Willester, Robert, Earl, Melvin (Glenis), and Carey Penn; five sisters: Shekinah Muhammad, Linda (Fred) Young, Irma McClain, Barbara Penn, and Marylyn (James) Jackson; an uncle, Robert Lee Oden; two aunts, Willie Mae Colbert and Ida Muhammad; five brother-in-laws; Sandy (Tsehay), Brian (Stacey), Percy (Pam), Adrian (Donna), and Deon Alexander; a special cousin, Alfreda Smith; and a multitude of nieces, nephews and friends.

“A life well-lived leaves behind a beautiful bouquet of memories”

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