Verna Lee Pendergrass

Verna Lee Pendergrass passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the age of 94. She was born Wednesday, September 6, 1930, in Florence, South Carolina to Clyde Barden and Corrie Bragdon Barden. Verna worked for the Detroit Public School System, where she was a cafeteria supervisor, and a proud union member.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 55 years, Joshua Pendergrass; and her sisters, Bernice Boatwright and Berthina Gamble. Verna is survived by her sons, Clyde Barden and wife Ruby, Michael Pendergrass and wife Gloria, and Ariel Pendergrass; her beloved grandchildren Megan Joi Pendergrass, Jessica Lynn Pendergrass, Esq., Kamau Pendergrass and wife Cierra, Kahlid Pendergrass, Jeffery Barden, Kelvin Baden and wife Maria, Dwayne Barden, Clyde Barden III, and Tamika Barden; 22 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces, ClidaSue Stuckey and Sharon Gamble, and nephew Sam Gamble; as well as numerous other loving family and friends.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Blessings on Top of Blessings Caregivers, LLC including Daphne Yarrington, Shae Cox and Nikki Turner, the Mt. Zion First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, the Liberty Temple Baptist Church in Detroit, and Creole Catering, LLC.

Verna enjoyed cooking, gardening and anything DYI (do-it-yourself) projects she could work on. She spent many hours getting her steps in while visiting flower shows and weekends spent shopping at Eastern Market. But above all this, Verna had a helpful spirit and was always looking for ways to assist others in need, and let’s not forget that she was infamous for rescuing stray cats everywhere she went!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com