The beginning of Danette Marie Penn's journey started on April 20,1960 in Denver CO born to her parents Johnnie Mae Penn and Williams (Sonny) Penn.

She received her early education in the Denver Public School system, receiving her high school diploma from George Washington High School. Her best friends throughout the years Pam Gordan Williams, Colette Jones, Ellen Williams, Dorita Bolden, and Margaret Sweet shared many great memories. Forming a girls group singing and dancing with sister Kim, hanging out at Stapleton Airport pretending they were flying off to wonderful places.

Dannette was a funny person. She loved fashion, shopping, and she loved her jewelry.

Dannette received the Lord into her spirit as she was baptized in 1970 at Epworth United Methodist Church where she attended throughout her younger years. She kept the spirit of her Lord and Savior throughout her adult life while praying as often as she could.

Danette met James Austin and together they had a beautiful daughter Shavonne Martell Penn in 1983. Danette moved to Sedalia MO to be near her father when he became ill. She resided there until joining her daughter in Enid, OK where she met her partner of 21 years Tommy L. Fitzpatrick. They had a loving relationship until his passing in 2021.

Danette's journey ended on July 10, 2024, as God whispered it's time my child to come to your heavenly home.

Danette was preceded in death by her parents Johnnie M. Penn and William S. Penn, her daughter Shavonne Martell Penn, her sister Kim Penn and brother Keith Penn.

Danette leaves to cherish her memories her grandson Taveon J. Long, six sisters Renee Smith & Pamela Dorsey of Denver CO, Vickie Buford of Columbia MO, Lisa Curd of Detroit MI, Myshia and Janika Penn of Marshall, MO; four brothers Michael Dorsey of Denver, William A. Penn of Atlanta GA, Garon G. Penn of Florida, and William K Penn of Marshall, MO, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and many friends.