Penney Retirement Community: A Legacy of Christian Service and Fellowship
It doesn’t take long for visitors to see how much Penney Retirement Community means to its devoted President/CEO, Teresa Scott.
As the first woman to lead Penney Retirement Community, Scott has poured her heart into preserving and strengthening its mission since joining the community in 2014. She often speaks of the community’s remarkable residents—humble yet accomplished individuals who inspire her daily.
That deep sense of purpose dates back to the vision of James Cash Penney, better known as J.C. Penney, the department store magnate. In 1926, he founded Penney Retirement Community, one year before the establishment of the Town of Penney Farms. His goal? To create a Christian, service-oriented community where residents could live with purpose and fellowship.
Today, this not-for-profit, multidenominational Christian community welcomes anyone who desires to live out their faith in a close-knit setting. Nestled among tree-lined streets, the campus is home to nearly 500 residents and sits just four miles from the Clay County Fairgrounds.
Scott likens it to Mayberry, the peaceful town from The Andy Griffith Show. Here, life is simple, volunteerism is central, and community values are upheld.
Rather than a traditional business office, the heart of Penney Retirement Community is found in its people. Residents play an active role in campus life, serving on various committees and the corporation’s board of directors, managing the library, and organizing countless activities. The impact of their efforts is visible everywhere—from the well-maintained grounds to the brand-new dining hall, which opened in July 2023 and seats over 400 guests. Each year, they also give back over 130,000 volunteer hours of service to each other and the greater community.
Faith and service are woven into the fabric of Penney. The community’s mission is guided by the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Perhaps that’s why so many residents thrive well into their 90s, and why several couples have celebrated 70 years of marriage.
Penney’s core values—Integrity, Service, Stewardship, and Kindness—are reflected in both the leadership and the residents. It’s a place where people don’t just talk about Christian principles; they live them.
Scott’s own journey speaks to her commitment to service. Originally from West Virginia, she earned a master’s degree in social work, served in the Army, and later moved to Jacksonville, where she worked for St. Vincent’s Health Care System before joining Penney.
While the campus boasts beautifully landscaped grounds and even a golf course with synthetic greens, its true beauty lies in the people. This became especially clear in 2020, when COVID-19 threatened the very fabric of their community. However, the community adapted, staying connected in creative ways. In the end, the challenges only strengthened their bonds.
Scott’s office desk tells the story of Penney in photos—beloved residents, past and present. She knows each of their names, their contributions, and their stories.
As Penney Retirement Community nears its 100th anniversary, Scott remains deeply grateful.
“You won’t find greater kindness than on our campus,” she said.
