Beverley "Penny" Vandergraph

Beverley Ann Sherman Vandergraph, lovingly known as Penny, was born on June 26, 1950, in Union City, Pennsylvania. She spent her early years in Pennsylvania before moving to Texas at the age of 12, where she would spend the majority of her life, with the exception of 15 impactful years in Southern Illinois devoted to ministry work alongside her husband.
Penny was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She had a servant's heart, always striving to live and work "as unto the Lord." Her faith journey began at the age of 13, when she was a born-again Christian, a decision that would shape the rest of her life. Her walk with the Lord included involvement in prison ministry, CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association), Christian television, and nearly two years leading music at a local nursing home. She helped her loving husband pastor a church and led a few women's retreats. Penny was a prayer warrior and lived her faith with quiet strength, joy, and grace.
Penny was a woman of many talents and passions. She loved to sing, read, wrote poetry, cook, sew, and create beautiful costume jewelry. She had a special knack for keeping a tidy and welcoming home. Though she completed cosmetology school, she mostly used her skills to bless family and friends. She had a deep love for her brother Johnny, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories and laughter. Family gatherings and quality time with loved ones brought her great joy.
Penny was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Dean Sherman and Marian Eloise Gray Sherman Zimmer; her stepfather, Frank Zimmer; and her beloved brother, John Edward Sherman.
She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, David W. Vandergraph; her children, Bryan Rakestraw and wife Becky, Daryn Rakestraw and wife Sherry, Belinda Lopez and husband Nick, Stacy Lumbreras and husband Franscisco, and Toni Smalling and husband Jason; 10 cherished grandchildren, Brittnie Barton and husband Cameron, Taylor Rakestraw and wife Madison, Anthony Carrico, Michael Rakestraw, Alyssa Carrico, Emily Lumbreras, Junior Lumbreras, Nathan Lumbreras, Zach Lumbreras and Ashlyn Smalling; and 4 precious great-grandchildren, Kenneth "Beau" Barton, Avery Gail Rakestraw, Herbert "Kyle" Barton, and Maelyn Nicole Rakestraw.
She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Lois Sherman, her cousin, Marlene Glass-who were more like sisters- numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family, along with many dear friends whose lives she touched.
Penny's life was a testimony of grace, love, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 PM to 8 PM on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at New Wine Christian Church, located at 5410 FM 1942, Baytown, Texas 77521. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11 AM, with Pastor Bill Walles officiating. Following the service, there will be a graveside and committal ceremony at Palms Memorial Park in Dayton, Texas.