Vernita May Pender

Vernita May Pender, 83, of Alto Pass, died Friday, July 29, 2022, at her home. 

She was born on Oct. 4, 1938, in Anna, the daughter of Ray and Donna Marie Fox Miller. 

She married Jimmie D. Pender on Oct. 4, 1954, in Alto Pass. He preceded her in death on April 30, 1984.

Mrs. Pender is survived by her sons, Dale Pender (Lisa Mull) of Anna, Danny (Martha) Pender of Marion, Darrell (Cindy) Pender of Jonesboro and Dennis (Stephania) Pender of Cobden; 12 grandchildren, Kim (Adam) Dillon, Travis Pender, Randy Pender, Richard (Catherine) Pender, Ariel (Michael) Johnson, Kyleigh (David) Velsor, Taryn Pender, Valerie (Chase) Heins, Isaac Pender, Amy Pender, Mary Pender and Troy Kottmann; eight great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Vernita Miller of Alto Pass; nieces and nephews; neighbors and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jimmie D. Pender; a son, Randy Gale Pender; and a brother, Wendall Miller. 

Mrs. Pender was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Alto Pass for many years, where she played the piano and organ. She enjoyed reading, sewing and quilting. 

Years ago, when her sons played baseball, she always attended their games, cheering on the team and keeping score. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. 

She babysat for all her grandchildren when they were growing up and later worked for the Postal Service in Alto Pass. 

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the First Baptist Church in Alto Pass, with Pastors Carroll Toler, Davy and Danny Miller officiating. Interment was in Ebenezer Hall Cemetery in Lick Creek. 

Memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church in Alto Pass. 

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Alto Pass was in charge of arrangements.