Jackie Pendergrass

(From Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home)

Jackie Sandra Pendergrass (Miller) was 85 years old. She was born October 5, 1939 and passed on March 30, 2025 at Cox South, in Springfield, MO. 

 She was born at home in Rudd, Arkansas to Johnny and Vela Miller (Bradshaw). She was the first born of six children. Her siblings include Sue Kell who had 2 girls, Gerald Miller and spouse Adeline who had a boy and a girl, Donna Faulkner who had 2 boys and the youngest has passed, Harold Miller and spouse Sue who had one girl that has passed, and Regina Hutchens who has 2 girls.

 

In Rudd, AR, the educational opportunities were limited, often ending at the 8th grade. Jackie, determined to further her education, attended the School of The Ozarks. She worked diligently through two years of high school there before transferring closer to home. Jackie graduated from Green Forest, AR high school in 1958.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Jackie was approached by her cousin, Helen Connor, to move to Springfield, MO to split an apartment and get a job. She found work at Consumers markets as a checker. There, she met Raymond Pendergrass. They were married November 6, 1959 and had two sons.

Jackie’s interest in eduction led her to pursue a degree in education at SMSU in Springfield, MO. She eventually graduated with a Masters in Education from SMSU, now Missouri State University. She taught second grade for many years.

After retiring from teaching, she and Raymond bought a grocery store in Greenfield, MO and worked there for 13 years before retiring to Rogersville, MO.

She is preceded in death by her parents Johnny and Vela Miller, husband Raymond Pendergrass, and 1 niece and nephew. She is survived by her son Craig and wife Vivian. They have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. And son Paul who has one child and one grandchild.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday April 4, 2025 at 5 pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, MO. She requested cremation and there will not be graveside services.