Life Reflections

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

Mr. Joseph Aaron Pendergrass, affectionately called "Joe", the beloved son of the late Mr. Johnnie Pendergrass and Mrs. Emma Bennett Pendergrass was born on September 17, 1950 in Kingstree, South Carolina. Joseph transitioned from mortality to immortality to begin his journey to eternal rest on December 26, 2023. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven brothers: Roosevelt (Sonny Boy) Pendergrass, Johnnie Pendergrass, Jr., James (Brother) Pendergrass, Andrew (WC) Pendergrass, Edward (Bobbie) Pendergrass, William (Bill) Pendergrass, and Jimmy (Terry) Pendergrass and one grandson, Eric Dionte Pendergrass.

Joseph was a believer of Jesus Christ and a faithful member of St. James A.M.E. Church, Lane, South Carolina. As a spirit-filled man of God, Joe served as the Church School Superintendent, Steward Pro-Tem, Class Leader, and Vice President of Lay Organization at St. James A.M. E. Church. He was also a member of the Finance Committee and the Sons of Allen Unit. Joseph's leadership ability enabled
him to become President of the Palmetto Conference Sons of Allen, Coordinator of Kingstree District Sons of Allen, Parliamentarian of the Kingstree District Lay Organization, Treasurer of the Mouzon's Men Club, and the former 2nd Vice President of the Seventh Episcopal District Sons of Allen. He established the Kingstree District Sons of Allen Youth Retreat and expanded it to the Palmetto
Conference Sons of Allen Youth Retreat.

Joseph graduated from Cades High School, Cades, South Carolina in 1968. He was employed by Williamsburg County Recreation Department as Assistant Director/Athletic Director until his retirement in July 2018. During his forty-two years of effective service at Williamsburg County Recreation Department, he planned and supervised activities for youth in Williamsburg County to develop
fundamental skills in various sports. After his retirement, Joseph served as Acting Director of Williamsburg County Recreation Department from July 2022-July 2023. He was a former certified official for the South Carolina League in basketball and football.

Joseph was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Ms. Martha Lynah on January 5, 1972. This union was blessed with two sons: Joseph Eric and Adrain. Joseph was kind-hearted and devoted to his family. His friendly and cheerful spirit drew people to him. He enjoyed cooking, traveling to various District, Conference, Episcopal, and Connectional A.M.E. events and watching sports. His favorite scripture was Romans 8:31b, "If God be for us, who can be against us."

Those left to cherish his fond memories are: a loving and devoted wife, Martha Pendergrass of the home; two sons, Joseph Eric (Chavita) Pendergrass of Charlotte, NC and Adrain (Tamika) Pendergrass of Tabor City, NC; six grandchildren, Nysel Whaley of Philadelphia, PA, Kiarra Devine of Aiken, SC, Askiree Holback of Charlotte, NC, Saniah Pendergrass of Raleigh, NC, Andrew Pendergrass of Tabor City, NC, and Legacy Pendergrass of Charlotte, NC; one great grand; one sister, Viola Davis of Florence, South Carolina; one brother, Sanders (Melissa) Pendergrass of Florence, South Carolina; a brother-in-law, Walter Liner of Hugee, SC; two devoted nieces; Stephanie Pendergrass of Florence, SC and Chenise Pendergrass of Kingstree, SC;  two devoted cousins, Sharon Slay and Jafari Slay of Lane, SC;  a special neighbor to the family, Valerie Cooper of Kingstree, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.