Mrs. Barbara J. Pendergrast

Mrs. Pendergrast (Sister Barbara) at the age of 85 years old has gone to be with our Lord and Savior while surrounded by her family at home on April 19, 2024. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, John McClendon Pendergrast Sr.; parents, James & Helen Kilbury; brothers, Jimmy & Bobby Kilbury; sister, Betty Mae Peterson; and great grandchild, Eylas Farnell. She is survived by sister, Sharon Kilbury Pendergrast; children, Penny (Jerry) Cleveland, Debbie (Vickie) Farnell, Steve (Jan) Pendergrast, John Jr. (Arlene) Pendergrast. She was loved beyond measure by her grandchildren, April (Kevin) Glenn, Melissa Thompson, Laura Beth (Tim) Martin, Thomas Farnell IV, Matthew Farnell, Isaac (Amanda) Pendergrast, Katrina Suggs, John (Sabrina) Templeton, Cody ( Ashley) Templeton, Johnathan (Kammie) Pendergrast, and Penny Marie (Logan) Clark. She was proud to tell everyone that she had 19 Great Grandchildren, Caydance (Dylan) Gilchrist, Logan (Amanda)Glenn, Kasadie Joann Glenn, Noelle Bennet, Cole (Destinee) Thompson, Caleb Thompson, Mackenzie & Gage Martin, Perrin & Alexander Moore, Bethany & Liliana Farnell, Aiden Pendergrast, Sophia Suggs, John Carter, Connor & Carson Templeton, Clay & Chloe Templeton, and 1 great great grandchild, Allie Mae Glenn. Having such a big family, Sister Barbara was able to be a part of 5 generations not just once but three times in her lifetime. Barbara would love to tell how John fell in love with her at the carnival when he saw her standing there eating popcorn. To say it was Love at first sight was an understatement, after knowing each other for only 5 days they decided to marry, and the rest is history. They shared a love that only others would dream about. There was not a day that would go by after her beloved husband’s passing, 17 years ago, that she would not mention how much they loved each other and in her last days she would look at their pictures and tell him “I’m on my way, I’ll see you soon my love”. Barbara said that she would follow John anywhere, until he decided to follow the lord. She knew about holiness and didn’t want any part of it; however, one night in 1977, out of respect for her husband she went to a little church in Claysville, AL and the Lord started knocking at her heart. She didn’t hesitate and that night Sister Barbara received the gift of the Holy Ghost, the next night Brother John received it. On their way home to Florida they were so happy as they sang “I’ll Fly Away” that they got pulled over for speeding. She loved her husband, and she loved the lord. She was always faithful and followed her husband’s every move, from being a “carnie” at the carnival to driving a transfer truck on the road and serving a church in Tennessee. Sister Barbara had many loves and hobbies. She enjoyed crocheting, caning chairs, playing dominoes, family sing-alongs, coloring, crossword puzzles and most of all spending time with her family. In 1964 she received her nursing certificate and throughout the years she worked in hospitals, home health and various nursing homes. She definitely had a passion for taking care of others. Sister Barbara was a faithful member of Claysville Free Holiness Church for over 24 years. She will be missed. She was known and loved by many. Whether you knew her as Mom, Momma, Granny, Grandmother, Sister Barbara, Mrs. Barbara or simply friend, one thing is for certain she was loved deeply and will be missed greatly. Visitation will be held at Claysville Free Holiness Church on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 12-8 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the church on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 3 p.m. Bro. Michael O’Neal and Bro. Paul Geckles will officiate. Burial will follow in New Prospect Cemetery in Swearengin. Please send flowers and condolences to Claysville Free Holiness Church. Arrangements Entrusted to Grant Memorial Chapel

Mrs. Barbara J. Pendergrast

December 15, 1938 - April 19, 2024