VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The deadly toll of COVID-19 on Central Florida is not over.
A brother and sister, both dedicated public servants - one a teacher and the other a paramedic - passed away this weekend due to COVID-19.
The loss of the brother and sister is deeply affecting their co-workers, family and friends in Volusia County.
Volusia County mourns loss of Port Orange teacher and a local paramedic
Channel 9 reporter Mike Springer spoke to those who knew them, describing the siblings as some of the most loving and caring individuals they knew.
Those who knew them describes this as just an immeasurable loss that has shaken not only the school district and EMS, but also their family and friends.
Sue Tabor was a close friend and co-worker of Shyla Pennington. Tabor was heartbroken by the news of the single mother’s passing.
“She was always a great resource and just a truly wonderful, loving, caring teacher and mother and friend,” Tabor said.
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Pennington dedicated more than 18 years of her life to the school district before passing away Saturday due to COVID-19.
Friends and family described Pennington as one of the sweetest and kindest individuals they knew.
She was living with her 51-year-old brother Jerry Jones and his wife and son when she became sick.
Jones worked as a paramedic for the county’s EMS division for 21 years before dying Sunday from COVID-19.
Volusia County Emergency Medical Services Director Jason Brady said the Desert Storm veteran and avid outdoorsman left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
“His smile was infectious,” Brady said. “Everybody knew and loved him. He had the gift of gab. He made a patient in their worse moment very at ease.”
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EMS union President Jason Ladermann said the union has set up a GoFundMe page to help Jones family and the sibilings' parents.
“We want to think about all the joys that he brought and the difference that he made as a paramedic in our community,” Ladermann said. “And how many people are better off because he served a brother and sister who did all they could to serve the community they loved.”
The school district did have grief counselors on hand Monday at Sugar Mill Elementary for anyone who might have needed help.
Both the school district and the county do not believe either was exposed to the virus from work.