Penny Short

Penny Sharon Porter Lagow Short passed away on April 10, 2026. She was born April 19, 1943 in Tyler, TX to Penelton and Myrtle Porter, both of whom joyfully met her in Heaven. As a young lady, she lived in Kaufman, Texas and grew up developing her talent at becoming a classically trained pianist, keeping pace with her growing love of music, art and theatre that would continue throughout her life. She then moved to Terrell where she lovingly raised her only child, Christy Dawn Lagow Aiken with a strong foundation of faith and love. In May of 1986, Penny married Mike Short and she gained a beloved extended family with his children, Mike, Amanda and Will. She worked for many years as a part of an incredible mental health medical team and employees at Terrell State Hospital in Volunteer Services. She retired as an assistant to Dr. John Kegerreis, serving every person with whatever need they had. Her many years at Terrell State Hospital were fulfilling for Penny as the friendships she made and the countless patients she helped gave her great purpose in life doing what she was called to do: serving others and her Lord. When she wasn’t working, Penny was active in many other organizations in Terrell and Kaufman County including Kaufman County Civic Theatre, E!Terrell, Her love for all things having to do with entertainment didn’t stop at the stage productions and while she was attending musicals, concerts and all shows at E!Terrell and at KCCT, Penny also was able to do what she truly loved: getting dressed up with beautiful accessories while spending time with precious friends while enjoying nights on the town or fun lunches filled with laughter! Penny truly enjoyed both watching and collecting movies as well as listening to all genres of music. Later in life, Penny achieved the ultimate promotion when she became MooMaw to all her grandchildren. Sharing and watching all her favorite movies and musicals with tasty snacks, chips and popcorn were the highlights of getting to spend time with them all. Faith was also very important to Penny, and she was blessed to find a home away from home with the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Terrell. The circle of friends and treasured connections she made at Good Shepherd helped her not only grow in her spiritual walk but allowed her to keep a close ring of people that would give her many of her cherished memories. A strong and independent lady who prioritized her familiy above all else, Penny is proud of many things including being known for making the most perfect chocolate pie, having a “just right” outfit with perfect accessories and helping her daughter graduate college. Raising her children and bonus children was also one of her proudest achievements until! Getting to see her children raise their own children with the same love, values, church foundation and sense of independence tempered with loving others was an absolute full circle moment that made Penny appreciate every blessing she had been given by the Lord. A wonderful mother, MooMaw, and friend, Penny will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. She is survived by her daughter Christy Lagow Aiken and husband Dan; ‘bonus’ children: Michael Charles Short, Amanda Dobbs, Will Short and wife Minhee; grandchildren: Drake Aiken, Natalie Aiken and fiancé, Greg Huber, Bailey Hope McClellan-Short, Sophia Short, Hudson Short, Jacob Dobbs and Josie Dobbs as well as several other extended familiy members, her Good Shepherd church family and a host of friends. Funeral service will be at 12:00pm, Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Kaufman Cemetery. Her family will receive friends beginning at 11:00am to service time. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests donations be made to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd at https://www.gsterrell.org/give74

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Penny Short

April 19, 1946 - April 10, 2026