of Conway, AR

May 19, 1969 - July 9, 2025

Steven Lawrence Pennington was born May 19, 1969, in St. Louis, Missouri. He resided at the Missouri Baptist Children's Home until he went to live with Robert and Doris Pennington on July 9 at the age of seven weeks. At 10 months, he was diagnosed with muscle weakness. In April of 1970, Bob and Doris adopted Steven. In 1972, the family moved to Siloam Springs, Arkansas, where grandparents on both sides could love and help care for him.

At the age of about two, Steven had a fall and lost his sight; he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He spent three weeks at Easter Seals in Little Rock, Arkansas. After leaving there, Steven showed signs that God restored his eyesight. In January 1974, the family moved to Harrison, Arkansas, where Steven attended Boone County Special Services. He attended school there until he was 6 years old. Due to needing more care than could be provided at home, he spent 6 years in what was known as the Arkansas Children's Colony in Conway, Arkansas.

In 1981, Steven returned home to live with his parents for 17 years while attending Boone County Special Services. After graduation, he worked in the adult workshop. Steven had many good teachers and helpers along the way. In 1998, again, more help was needed, Steven moved to the Booneville Human Development Center in Boonville, Arkansas. After a severe fall, and due to the requirement that residents must be ambulatory, Steven became wheelchair bound. In 2014, he moved back to the Conway Human Development Center (CHDC) in Conway, Arkansas. With his left-handed wheelchair, he went wherever he was allowed to go.

God provided a dear friend for him in Georg Andersen of Conway, who was faithful to visit Steven regularly for 20 years. Georg was a positive influence to the family and staff.

Steven had classes and participated in activities as long as he was physically able. Steven transferred to another house when his health began to decline. Then, in January 2023, he was transferred to total care, where he received excellent care. Steven had a kind and loving heart, and he was dearly loved by all who knew him. He loved music, keys, watches, girls, attending church, and spending time with his family.

He loved riding in a trailer behind his dad's riding lawn mower. He also enjoyed doing chores such as hauling wood, rocks, and gardening produce and supplies. He loved painting, drawing, and assembling jigsaw puzzles with his mother, and he enjoyed coffee, which he was able to make using his Mr. Coffee maker. Steven experienced several bouts of aspiration pneumonia, which resulted in hospitalization. The last one resulted in his passing away to be with the Lord on July 16, 2025.

Steven is survived by his parents, Robert and Doris (Paden) Pennington of Ozark, Missouri; his Aunt, Betty Nevills of Plano, Texas; his Uncle, Don Paden of Great Bend, Kansas; and seven cousins and their children.

Steven will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. His passing has left a void in the lives of his family, friends, and the community. However, his memory will continue to inspire and bring comfort to all who knew him.



A Memorial Service was held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Grubb Springs Baptist Church, Harrison, Arkansas with interment in Grubb Springs Cemetery.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com