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Elvin Pender Obituary
Memphis, TN
Long time Memphis musician and educator Professor Elvin L. Pender died Friday morning September 23rd around 7:30a.m. after a brief illness. Mr. Pender, a lifelong resident of Memphis graduated from Manassas High school in 1937 and went on to finish Lane College, Tennessee State University, and Fisk University. He also served in the United States Army from 1946-49.
Mr. Pender's career spanned over 7 decades in the Memphis and Shelby County community. He was a teacher and administrator in the Memphis and Shelby County school systems and served on the music faculty at Shelby State Community College for many years. He also served as Minister of Music and music director for several churches in the Memphis community including Trinity and Greenwood C.M.E. Churches and Parkway Gardens Presbyterian Church. Mr. Pender was known for his great love of classical music and would often feature major choral works such as Handel's "The Messiah" and John W. Peterson's cantata "Night of Miracles" in holiday church and school music presentations. He imparted his love and excellence in music to his many many students, family, church members, and colleagues. He is now gone to be with the Lord, but the work he did through the years will remain in the hearts and souls of many.
The wake will be held at M.J. Edwards Funeral Home 1165 Airways Boulevard on Thursday September 29th from 5-7p.m.. The home going celebration will be at South Parkway East Church of Christ Friday September 30th at 11:00a.m.. The family has asked that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elvin Pender
LaVerne Hill-Dickerson
October 3, 2016
To Charles and the family, I was deeply sadden to hear of Mr. Pender's passing. The song that comes to my mind is Water Ripples and Flows. (BTW Glee club 1964-1967) My condolences to the family.
October 1, 2016
Mrs. Pender - You are in our prayers at this difficult time. (Bishop) Lawrence Reddick and Wynde Jones Reddick (Cedar Hill, Texas).
October 1, 2016
OUR PRAYERS ARE FOR THE FAMILY OF OUR COUSIN
LEROY,
DOROTHY CURRIE ORR
The Moodys
September 29, 2016
We will cherish the memories our families have shared over the years. You are in our prayers and special thoughts. Blessings and peace.
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September 29, 2016
God bless you. He was a talented,God sent man. Ms.Johnnie Donald,PGU
BTW '65 Warriors
September 28, 2016
May the peace and comfort of God sustain the Pender family during this loss. Mr. Pender is among the last of our 12th grade homeroom teachers. Several '65 classmates were members of the esteemed BTW Glee Club under Mr. Pender's tutelage during our years at our Alma Mater. Our class remembers Mr. Pender with fondness and extends the deepest sympathy to loved ones he leaves behind.
Margaret Jones
September 28, 2016
I feel extremely fortunate to have been a student of Mr. Pender. Thanks for caring and sharing. You impacted so many lives. Condolences to his brother, Mr. George Pender, my church member and the entire family.
September 28, 2016
MR.PENDER (PROFESSOR) I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM..HE DID SO MUCH FOR OUR CHOIR AND CHURCH..OUR MUSIC RM IS NAMED IN HIS MEMORY..WE LOVED HIM..BE BLESSED AND KNOW THAT HE IS IN HEAVEN DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST..
PGU(PARKWAY GARDEN UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH)
ANN WILBOURN
Debra A Davis
September 28, 2016
"Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal..."
Trinity CME Church
M.J. Edwards Funeral Home Staff
September 28, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Dorothy Morgan
September 27, 2016
To the family of Mr. Elvin L. Pender. Mr. Pender was one of the most charming and warmest men I have ever known. He was my 12th grade homeroom teacher at B.T.Washington High School, our class was 12-8, our senior class just adored him.
I will never forget him. I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy and the hope that the kind words of your family and friends will make this difficult time a bit easier to bear.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Yancey-Morgan
B.T.W. Class of '65
EARVEAN INGRAM- WHITSON
September 27, 2016
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS..MR.PENDER PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT PART IN MY LIFE GIVING ME A CHANCE USE MY VOICE IN AN OPERA STYLE ..I WILL ALLWAYS REMEMBER MR. PENDER..MAY GOD REST HIS SOUL.
Keith Williamson
September 27, 2016
Mrs. Pender, Charles & family- As one of the original Melrose Cv. families, your friendship, kindness, and neighborly love will forever resonate within our hearts. Our prayers are with you all.
Keith, Shelby & Ruby Williamson
September 27, 2016
A wonderful and gracious man, he'll truly be missed. God Bless.
September 27, 2016
Condolences and prayers for your strength are being offered by the Trinity Church family. For many years the Pender family was an integral part of our church life. The passing of the patriarch saddens us greatly.
Denise Sims
September 27, 2016
To Mrs. Pender, Charles and the Pender Family: Please know that our prayers are with you at this time. Mr. Pender was a wonderful person and neighbor. May God bless and keep you.
Melissa Partee
September 27, 2016
To the Pender Family,
He was a talented and patient man. My prayers are with you as you grieve on your loss but lean on God and realize Mr. Pender is in a better place. God received a musical genius in His Army. I learned so much from Mr. Pender when I used to sing and lead solos at Parkway Gardens Presbyterian Church.
He touched so many people in Memphis. There will no other like him.
Be Bless
September 26, 2016
To the Pender family: We are happy to have known E.L. It was always a joy to see him when we were in Memphis. Though saddened about his passing, he touched more lives with his talents and abilities in schools, churches and his community. Love to you all. Leonardo and Myrna DeBose, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Arthur McLemore
September 26, 2016
Rest in peace
Rosalyn Williams
September 26, 2016
To the Pender family: My prayers and deepest condolences are with you at this time in the passing of your husband and Father. Sis. Pender and Charles, May God continue to bless you and your entire family during this most difficult time. I am truly going to miss him so much. I thank God for all that you all did for me during the passing of both of my parents, Bro. & Sis. Lee Miller, Jr. who were members of Norris Road Church of Christ. Rest in Heaven!!!!!!
noreen walton
September 25, 2016
I am a neighbor,that live in Melrose cove. It was a pleasure to get to know Mr. Lender, I am deeply sorrowful for your loss. God strengthen the family is my prayer
kimberly walton
September 25, 2016
My deepest sympathy goes out to Mrs.Pender and the entire family,may God be with you all thru this trying time.
Donna Wynn Harvey
September 25, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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