Vada G Pendergrass

Vada Pendergrass, a woman whose spirit was as vibrant as her favorite color blue and whose laughter could light up the darkest of rooms, embarked on her final journey from this world on August 17, 2025, in Odessa, TX. Born on February 2, 1944, in Andrews, TX, Vada's life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and the kind of mischievousness that kept everyone on their toes.

Vada's early years were spent between Kermit and Odessa, Texas, where she mastered the art of southern charm and quick wit. In high school, she crossed paths with Michael Gaines, and together they danced through life, welcoming four beautiful children into the world. Sherry, Leslie, Mickey, and Theresa became the anchors of her heart, even if they had to guard their plates from Vada's notorious "taste tests."

Throughout her life, Vada was the friendly face behind the cash register at various establishments, where she shared smiles and probably a joke or two at the expense of unsuspecting customers. But it wasn't until she met Bill Pendergrass in 1993 that her heart found its comedic counterpart. They shared a love that was as sweet as the cordial cherries she adored and as enduring as the episodes of Forensic Files they watched together.

Vada's home was never without the pitter-patter of dog paws, including her last two dogs, Teeny and Trixie. Her garden always bloomed with roses, a testament to her nurturing soul. Her intelligence shone through in her spirited debates, and her sense of humor was as infectious as a viral cat video. She was the kind of person who could find the funny in the mundane, turning a trip to the grocery store into an episode of supermarket sweepstakes.

Her brothers, Mat Martin, and her sisters, Ginabeth Prater and Patty McCorcle, knew that life with Vada meant expecting the unexpected, like her sneaking up to put her finger in your food before asking if you were going to eat that. Her legacy lives on through her two sons, Michael Gaines II and Leslie Gaines, her daughter Sherry Gallegos, and a lineage of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who inherited her playful spirit.

Vada was preceded in death by her loving husband, Billy Pendergrass, her parents, Brenard and Ola Martin, her brother Michael, sister Nell, and her daughter Theresa. She leaves behind a family tree that is as robust as it is rambunctious, with ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, who will carry on her legacy of laughter.

The family wishes to extend a heart-felt thank you to Vada's oldest and dearest friend since high school, Ms. Judy Wallum, who took care of Mickey Sr., during the last year of his life, and took the time to take care of Vada for the last few years of her life. Without her love and support, Vada wouldn't of been able to live in her own home. This was not only appreciated by Vada, but by the entire family. Her caregiver, Jamee, deserves a special shout-out for enduring Vada's endless pranks and for being the Watson to her Sherlock in cracking the case of the missing remote control. Vada's nieces and nephews will forever cherish the memories of her uproarious stories and unexpected shenanigans.

Vada Pendergrass was a woman who lived life with gusto, intelligence, and a sense of humor that could defuse any situation. Her departure leaves a void that will be filled with stories, laughter, and the occasional mystery finger in our food. She was one of a kind, and her curtain call is met with a standing ovation from all who were lucky enough to be part of her audience. Vada, here's to you, the woman who taught us that life is too short not to enjoy every last bite.

Viewing will begin Wednesday August 20, at 4 pm at Acres West Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will be held Thursday August 21, at 1 pm in the main chapel at Acres West Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are entrusted to Acres West Funeral Chapel and condolences may be sent online to the family at acreswestfuneral.com.