With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we share the passing of Sedrick O’Neal Penson, who departed this life on May 14, 2025, at the age of 42. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and a beloved member of the Saltillo community, Sedrick’s life was a radiant testament to love, compassion, and resilience.
From a young age, Sedrick exhibited a gentle strength and joyful spirit that touched everyone around him. He was the kind of person who remembered birthdays, offered helping hands without hesitation, and could brighten any room with his warm smile and infectious laugh. A true friend to many and a guiding light in his family, Sedrick’s presence was a gift, his heart a wellspring of generosity.
A man of many talents and quiet humility, Sedrick was known for his incredible work ethic and unshakable commitment to those he loved. Whether organizing local community events, volunteering his time for those in need, or simply showing up for others in moments that mattered most, Sedrick embodied selflessness in action. He believed in lifting others, and in doing so, helped build bridges between people from all walks of life.
Those who were fortunate to know Sedrick speak of his boundless empathy, his ability to listen deeply, and his remarkable knack for making others feel seen, heard, and valued. To his family, he was a devoted son, a loyal sibling, and a source of steadfast support. To his friends, he was a confidant and a source of laughter and wisdom. And to his community, he was a pillar of light—reliable, kind, and forever giving.
Sedrick’s departure leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his legacy lives on in every life he touched. His spirit will forever echo in the laughter of children he mentored, the quiet strength of the neighbors he supported, and the love that continues to ripple outward from the lives he helped shape.
As we gather to celebrate Sedrick’s life on May 25, 2025, we do so not only in mourning, but in deep gratitude. Grateful for his life, for the love he gave so freely, and for the profound example he set for us all. The ceremony will be a time to remember, to reflect, and to honor the beauty of a life well-lived.
In honor of Sedrick O’Neal Penson, may we strive to live as he did—with open hearts, generous spirits, and unwavering love for our neighbors.
He is deeply missed, forever cherished, and eternally remembered.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell