Penny Leeann Stephens Rau, 81, of Callahan, went home to be with the Lord on the morning of Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Life Care Center of Hilliard. She was born July 22, 1945, in Jacksonville, Florida, the only child of Charlie W. Stephens and Iva "Juanita" Campbell Stephens, whose family roots ran deep in Madison County.

While Penny was a mother and wife first and foremost, she also enjoyed an exciting and fulfilling career serving the people of Nassau County. In 1981, when she had three boys at home, her husband Bobby encouraged her to take a first aid course. That class led to state certification in rescue work and to a calling that would shape the next two decades of her life. She began as an emergency medical technician in Callahan, at a time when few women worked in emergency care and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Chief of Nassau County Emergency Services. She never doubted she could do the job, and she did it with skill and compassion. She encouraged many to join or remain in this calling through the good times and the hard ones. When she retired in February 2002, the county lost one of its most valued employees.

Family, friends, and colleagues knew her as faith-filled, knowledgeable, honest, fair, and funny. Penny and Bobby built their life together in Callahan, where he served as Fire Chief, City Council president, and Mayor. They were married for 50 years, and she stood beside him through every one of them. Penny was a woman of strong Christian beliefs and an active member of Faith Baptist Church in Jacksonville, as well as a member of the Callahan Garden Club. She enjoyed going to craft shows, traveling with her husband, and spending time with family.

Penny was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Iva "Juanita" Stephens; her beloved husband of 50 years, Robert "Bobby" Wesley Rau, III; and her sons, Jimmy C. Hall, Jr. and Scott Hall.

Penny is survived by her son, Christopher "Chris" Rau; her daughter-in-law, Denise Hall; her grandchildren, Micah Hall, Anna Hall, Chloe Rau, Micaela Damico, Aubriel Damico, and Nicholas Kuwajima; her great-grandchildren, Angel Damico, Axel Damico, and Asaiah Damico; her brothers- and sisters-in-law from Bobby's loving family; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

The tribute above was prepared by Penny’s loving family.

A Celebration of Penny’s Life will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Hal McIntosh officiating. Interment will follow that afternoon in the Campbell-Harmony Cemetery in Greenville, Florida, where she will rest beside Bobby. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center through the Baptist Health Foundation (baptistjax.com/give) or to the Alzheimer's Association Central and North Florida Chapter (Alzheimer's Association /cnfl). The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family’s guest book.