Lillian F. Pendley passed away September 12, 2022, a few days shy of turning 92.
Lillian died at home, listening to a recording of favorite hymns sung by her late husband, C.O. Pendley,
accompanied by Lillian. Lillian's son David lovingly honored the promise to our father to keep
Lillian at home for as long as possible.
Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, C.O. Pendley, and her oldest child, Melodie Anne
Garrett.
Lillian is survived by her brother, Donald Sturgeon, his daughter, Amanda, both of Cimmaron,
NM; and his grandson, Kyle (Paula) Sturgeon, Westminster, CO. Survivors also include her son,
David Pendley of Hickory, NC; daughter, Frances Knudson (Jim) of Los Alamos, NM; son-inlaw,
John Garrett, Charlotte, NC; by 5 grandchildren: Joshua "Josh" Garrett (Jeanine); Melynda
Garrett (Phillip Alexander) of Indian Trail, NC; Melissa Garrett Miller (Scott) of Wilmington,
NC; Jonathan Garrett and Jordan Garrett, both of Charlotte; and by two great-grandsons, Gavin
Garrett of Kannapolis and Leo Garrett Alexander of Indian Trail. Survivors also include
grandchildren from David's family: Candace (Phillip) Eddinger and Yonah (Greg) Blankenship,
and great-grandchildren Gabriel Eddinger, Kacie Eddinger, and Kimber Blankenship. Our global
family includes two Swiss foreign exchange students - Pierre-Alain Mueller and Stephane
Mueller.
Lillian taught language arts in the Hildebrand and East Burke school systems for 35 years. Nine
thousand students is a rough estimate of how many pupils she educated. After retirement, Lillian
volunteered as a reading aide for several years for elementary students. Lillian also touched
many lives with her sewing of Samantha dolls.
Special thanks and acknowledgement go to Lenata "Pepper" Childres, Mother's companion for
the past seven years.
Lillian will be missed. There will be no service per her request. In lieu of flowers, please donate
to Compassion International or your favorite charity.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lilllian, please visit our
Tree Store or plant a tree.