Leslie Ann Pennington

Leslie Ann Streiff Pennington, 62, of Houston, Texas went to be with the Lord on, Thursday November 28, 2019, Thanksgiving Day.

Leslie was born in Ada, Oklahoma on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1957, the daughter of Robert Paul and Carole (Morgan) Streiff. Leslie was raised in Jackson, Mississippi and in Galveston, Texas. She graduated from Ball High School and soon after completed her Bachelor’s degree in hospital administration from The University of Houston-Clear Lake. Leslie later earned her MBA from The University of Houston-Clear Lake as well.  She taught at University of Houston Downtown and North Harris County Community College while earning her MBA.

After being selected as one of the first alternative certification candidates for Pasadena Independent School District, Leslie found her true calling of being an elementary teacher. Leslie taught Kindergarten for Pasadena ISD at Mae Smythe Elementary for 28 years. She adored helping her students to learn to read, write and do math as these skills are the foundation that will help carry them throughout their education and the rest of their lives. However equally important to Leslie was that her students learned to treat others well and develop good self-esteem. Parents would frequently request to have their child placed in Leslie’s class as word spread of what a fantastic teacher she was; in fact, she was often the Kindergarten teacher for many sets of siblings. Leslie loved sharing her passion and joy of teaching with the next generation of teachers by serving as a mentor for first-year teachers, student teachers from local universities as well as high school students from The Future Teachers of America Program. Throughout her teaching career she was recognized for many teaching awards including The Who’s Who Among American Teachers Award.

Leslie was an avid reader and was also a long time member of a book club. A few years after retirement she missed teaching children, so Leslie began to tutor children needing a little extra help academically and volunteered at the local library to help pass on the love of reading to the next generation. While Leslie usually avoided flying, she enjoyed road trips and taking cruises with her family. Leslie could often be found watching game shows, movies and playing board games. She also loved to cheer on The University of Houston sport teams with her family at many game; Leslie was particularly fond of UH Football. She adored the color purple and had a special fondness of pandas.

Leslie leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of forty years, John; daughter, Ashley Gutierrez and husband, Frank. Her mother, Carole Streiff and two brothers Stephen Streiff and wife, Ruth Ann, and J. Richard Streiff. Nieces Pamela Hall, Danielle Mestek, Mary Catherine Streiff, Helen Streiff and Caroline Streiff. Numerous cousins, in-laws, other family members and friends along with her beloved 16-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, Zoey.

She is preceded in death by her father, Robert P. Streiff, and several uncles, aunts, family members, friends and pets.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 from 9:30am to 10:30am at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church 3131 El Dorado Blvd Houston 77059. The Rosary will be recited at 9:30am followed by the funeral mass at 10:30am. A reception will be held in the parish hall after the mass has concluded. Burial will be at 1:30pm at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson.