of Mountain Home, AR
May 2, 2021
Devona J. Pendergrass, 63, of Mountain Home passed away on Sunday, May 2nd, 2021 at her home. She was born June 14th, 1957 in West Plains, Missouri to Mayford and Bernice Turner of Caulfield, Missouri, who preceded her in death. Devona married her high school sweetheart, Neal Pendergrass, in 1975.
Mrs. Pendergrass was a career educator and volunteer. An employee of Mountain Home Public Schools for 35 years, she held roles as Middle School Social Studies Teacher, Kindergarten Librarian, High School Librarian, and District Library Team Leader. She also served as The MHHS Bomber Bowling Coach for 7 years and a school bus driver for 15 years.
Devona was also an active member of the American Library Association (serving as Board Member at Large), the Arkansas Association of Instructional Media (serving in various executive roles), and the Arkansas Association of School Libraries (serving as President and Constitution Chair). She was a charter member of the Arkansas Rural Educators Association, a published source on the Dewey Decimal System, and a historian of Bakersfield, Missouri.
Mrs. Pendergrass is a 1979 Graduate of Southwest Missouri State University (BsE), a 1995 Graduate of the University of Central Arkansas (MA), and a national board-certified educator. She garnered numerous awards in her field, including Arkansas School Librarian of the Year, Hastings National Educator of the Year, American Library Association Library of the Year, Herb Lawrence Leadership Award, and the Pat McDonald Outstanding Individual Achievement Award.
Devona is survived by her husband, Neal, and their cherished children and granddaughter. Her son Turner, his wife Emily, and their daughter Alice; son Wesley, and his domestic companion Ashley Abel; all held special places in her heart. She is also survived by her younger brother John Turner, his wife Carla, their children Justin Turner, Kent Turner, Carlissa McGahan and their respective families; as well as her youth mentee Karissa Eaton, husband Brandon, and their children.
Visitation for Devona J. Pendergrass will be Friday, May 7th, 2021 from 1-2:00p.m. at Dunbar Auditorium, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Bakersfield Cemetery in Bakersfield, Missouri.
To know Devona was to know her passion for libraries, children, and her family. It was a privilege to serve with her on the AASL Board. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will be missed by so many!
I am so very sorry to hear of Devona's passing. I am a fellow librarian and had only know her for a few years, but her bubbly personality will always be remembered! Prayers for your family.
My heart is with you, and I am sorry for your loss. Devona was such a strong part of the Arkansas Association of Instructional Media, and I enjoyed serving with her on the Board of AAIM. She was one of the first members of AAIM I met, and was always a strong and committed leader in the organization. Your family is in my prayers.
I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful woman. I'm sorry I didn't hear sooner. Devona was very passionate about library work. I first met her through the Arkansas Library Association board meetings and then through various other positions. She always seemed to have a smile on her face when she greeted you, made me feel very welcome. She will be greatly missed by a lot of people. Kareen
I met Devona when I began attending ArSLA and AAIM conferences as a new librarian. She was such a dedicated member and just a fantastic person to be around. She will be missed by many. My prayers are with her friends and family.
I was so sorry to hear of Devona's passing. I enjoyed getting to know Devona through the Arkansas Library Association. She had such a warm presence and was so friendly and kind. My condolences to family and friends.
Devona was an awesome person. She will be missed very much! Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Devona was a wonderful woman!! I am so sorry for your loss.
The one thing I always remembered about Mrs. Pendergrass was every year on her wedding anniversary, her husband would send flowers to the school and add a rose to the bouquet... My senior year, I remembered going into the library and seeing the whole desk completely covered by the beautiful bouquet of roses. One from each year of true love... The love her husband has for Mrs. Pendergrass was absolutely amazing. What a wonderful life to have lived with a love that cherished. I'm so sorry for your loss, what a wonderful and sweet person, gone too soon. An angel of true love. â¤ï¸ It didn't go unnoticed, Neal. She loved you so very much. God bless.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Devona’s passing. She was such sweet lady. I very much enjoyed the 15 years we got to work together. Our prayers go out to Neal, the boys, and their families. May the Lord bring peace and comfort like only He can provide.
Thinking of you during this difficult time our sympathy to you and your family with heartfelt prayers.
Neal, I want to express my sincere sorrow in your loss of Devona. I am so sorry. She was always my sounding board and never held back her opinions. I appreciated her candor and humor. Hold onto your boys and share your strength with each other. May the Lord's peace be with you.
Neal, so sorry to hear of her passing. She was always smiling and I will miss that. Love and prayers to you and your family. Dottie
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for you and the entire family.
My prayers are with Neal , Wesley and Turner. I was privileged to work with Devona for many years. We lost a great advocate for libraries, and a great leader for Mountain Home schools.
Heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the entire family during this difficult time. Devona will be missed. Neal, Thank you for sharing her with all of us.
Neal, I am lifting you and your family up in prayer for peace n comfort during this most difficult time. God Bless you.
Devona was a very special lady. She will be missed at MHHS. Prayers for family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Neal, and with your family.
My deepest sympathies to her husband and family. Mrs. Pendergrass will be missed by so many, including myself and both of my children who knew her from school. Such a special woman, educator, and friend to so many students and families over the years. May God grant you peace in this hardest of times.
Karen, Rachel and Donovan
I am sending Neal and family my deepest sympathy. When I was at the high school I looked forward to my morning greetings with great kindness that Devona expressed with a smile and the best cup of coffee. Rest in peace my friend.
Lifting the family in prayer during this difficult time. Devona was a wonderful lady and will be missed by many!
We are saddened to learn of Devona’s passing. We know of her great service to the MHSD and how appreciated she was in her career as an educator. Condolences to Neal and his family. Prayers for your family.
I went to Mrs. Devona for many things. She will be greatly missed. You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Neal, the boys, and their families.
Wes and Family,
I am so sorry for loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My condolences on your loss,
My wife & I have known the Pendergrass family for a longtime,
Dear Pendergrass Family,
My heart is filled with sorrow for your loss, and my hope is that, during this struggle, you will hold each other up in love and compassion. You are certainly in so many thoughts and prayers, including mine.
Sincerely,
Toni Rogers
To the Pendergrass family,
So sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathy at this time. Sending prayers and comfort to all your family members. Devona was a special person and will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Dianna Roller
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She was a precious lady and will be greatly missed by her Bomber school family.
My prayers and thoughts are with you. May you Rest In Peace. You will be missed and remembered always.
My deepest sympathy for you and the boys, Neal. I feel I know you and the boys as well as Ms. Devona. Over the years, I've heard many a story told from the loving perspective of wife and mom who beamed with pride. My heart goes out to you, and my prayers will continue to go up for you.
so sorry for your loss Neal and family
Neal and family, I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Devona was always willing to help her colleagues be successful. She will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Neal I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Devona was a devout educator that loved helping the district grow and improve. I will miss her bright smile.
God Bless You All During this Time Of Sorrow. Z
God be with your family.
Devona always made me laugh with her stories and quick wit. I'll miss her and I pray for the family during this time. She loved ya'll so much, it was easy to tell because her eyes would always light up when she shared stories of her family. Big hugs to you all!
Neal and family,
This is a huge loss for you guys, for Devona's friends, and for our school system. Devona was a wonderful friend, and it's tough to imagine not having her here with us.
I am so sorry! Devona was truly a blessing to MH "Bomber" Staff and she will be missed. Sending prayers to her family and may the Lord bless in during this difficult times.
Neal and Family, my prayers are with you all. We miss her deeply. She was one of a kind.
Miss seeing you in the library
I enjoyed knowing Devona and visiting with her in the Library. I know she will definitely be missed by many. Praying for all her family and fr
Neal and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Devona, she always was there to help in anyway she could. We shared lots of laughs! She will be greatly missed by all! Prayers 😘
Neal, Wesley and Turner, I am so sorry for your loss. Devona will be missed by many. I always treasured her friendship. Prayers and thoughts for all.
Devona was always smiling, and she was such a "go to" person if you ever needed anything. An icon of our school, so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss Neal. Deepest condolences to you and the family.
Loved subbing for Mrs.Pendergrass. Very nice lady. So sorry for your lost.
Randy Cox
Our prayers our with you all. From the our Bean family in Bakersfield and Caulfield.
My prayers are with you as you lay your precious loved one to rest. I worked with her many, many years on AAIM Conferences and Committees. She was a friend that will be missed by so many that she helped in their library journeys. Peace be with you all,
Rachel Shankles
ARLA Pres Elect
Past AAIM Pres
UCA Prac Coordinator
So sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Devona. She was top notch in the library Media field and I reached out to her many times. She will be greatly missed.
My heart goes out to you. Devona was a great and special person. I loved our chats. Hugs to you all.
Neal and family, John and family, was so sorry to hear about Devona. Sending prayers.
Prayers to the family. May happy memories fill your hearts with laughter and love. Devona was a special friend for many years. I know she loved her family with all her heart. God’s blessings to Neal and Wesley and Turner.
Neal, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My prayers are with Neal , Wesley and Turner. I was privileged to work with Devona for many years. We lost a great advocate for libraries, and a great leader for Mountain Home schools.
Neal; To me both of you were special. I see that you have two sons, I'm sure that they are special, also. We are so sorry. Joe and Linda Smith
Neal and family- Many prayers for you all. Devona was such a pillar of MH schools and will be missed. Thank you both for sharing your wisdom with me in my educational journey.
Neal, you and your loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers. Devona will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
Neal, we are praying for you and your family. Devona will be missed by us all.
I’m so sorry for your loss; my sympathy to the family.
So sorry for your loss. Will miss her smile and wisdom.
Neal and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Praying that God will wrap you in His arms of love and give you the strength for the days ahead. With deepest, heartfelt sympathy.
So thankful to have been one of Mama D’a Library Girls. She loved us fiercely and stood her ground in all her beliefs. Praying for Neal, her boys & sweet baby Alice who she absolutely adored! She will be so missed!
So sorry for your loss, Neal; you and your family are in our prayers.
Neal , my thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys . I am so sorry for your loss.
Prayers to the family. I've know the family for 21yrs. She was the best librarian I've known and the most giving. The SCHOOL system will miss her and find it hard to replace her. God is with you all guiding you through your times ahead. Bless you all SANDY BINNION (evening CUSTODIAN)
We are so sorry to hear about this tragic loss. Neal, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for the many years you have given to our youth bowling familes, to all the years you have given to all the students that crossed your path in the library, you will be missed by many. Neal and family please except our deepest condolences we will keep you in our prayers during this difficult time🙠The Kill Family John, Tricia ,Troy and Caitlyn.
Neal, we are so very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Neal and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
Lindsey Blevins
Neal, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your sons.
Mr. Neal and family,
May God wrap his arms around you during this time. Mrs. Devona was a giver. I've watched her through the years and saw her help so many students and faculty members find books, and with technology. Whenever I would call her for something, all I had to do was ask, and she jumped right to it. I'll never forget the summer she helped me run the concession stand at the ball field. I needed help, and she found out and volunteered the entire season! She was a jewel! Mrs. Devona will be greatly missed by all.
Neal and family...I am so sorry...I can’t imagine what you are going through right now! Hold all your sweet memories close! Thinking if you at this sad, sad time!
so very sorry to hear about Devona I am praying for you and your family
Neal, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your sons.
our prayers and thoughts go out to neal and the Pendergrass family
I was so proud to be one of Devona's "library girls". She lead us and loved us like her own. She was our Mama D. She will be greatly missed and absolutely irreplaceable. My condolences to Mr. Neal and her boys and her precious granddaughter. She loved you and was so proud of you! May God wrap you in his loving arms. Prayers to you all.
Sorry for your loss Neal , Prayers to you and the family .
Dear Neal and boys, I’m so very sorry for your loss. One thing is certain she sure loved her boys and so proud to talk about you. I loved working with her and learned so many things from her. She will be missed.
Rocky and I are very sorry for your loss Neal. I'm Praying for comfort for you and your family.
Neal I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and all your family. ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Neal, Wesley and Turner. So sorry for your loss and I can imagine what you are going thru now. Trust in the Lord to get you thru this trying time. I will always remember Devona and all the bowling activities we went thru together and the fun times we had. She will be missed by many. Love to all and prayers. Lou.
Neal,I'm so sorry for your loss all my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know how lost you feel right now. I'm not going to say it gets better I'm sure it does you think one day it might be but then it's not. You know she's not hurting and in a better place but still leaves a big hole in your heart. Bob will be gone 5 months on the 6th I stil turn to tell him something and he's not there I'll be praying for you and your boys. Wanda Evans
So sorry to hear. Devona was a great teacher and a good person. She will be missed. Praying for you all. Love, Rick and Collette Dillard
NEAL , I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY'S LOSS !!!! GOD BLESS !!!!
My condolences to your family.
Neil and family I am so sorry for you loss. Prayers sent your way.
Devona was one of the first people that I met when I came to Mountain Home. She made me feel comfortable and at home. She was a delightful lady. My thoughts are with the family.
My thoughts and prayers with Neal and the family
Neal, Wes & Turner & family,
My heart is broken for you. Devona was a friend & colleague for many years.
She always amazed me at what she would accomplish when she decided she wanted it.
Loved her home away from office at the library. She always had coffee & treats! And who refers to driving bus as a good mudder Always a good story to share.
May good memories give you peace and strength during this time.
Love to all,
Beth Coley
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Neal and the Pendergrass family.
Prayers to all of Devona's Family, she was a very interesting friend, so smart, so funny. We were team mates during one of my first years of teaching. We are the same age. We were friends. She will be missed by so many. Strength and God's comfort to all of her family and friends. Her fluttering eyelashes on her bug said so much about her! She was fun and funny! She will be missed!
Barbara Penrose
I send much sympathy and many prayers to Devona's family and friends. She was so crazy about her husband and sons and their families. She spoke of them often with great adoration. She has been key to the prosperity of the AAIM organization for years, serving as our amazing treasurer. I will miss her wit and camaraderie so much in every future meeting and conference. She was a dear friend. Sara Dickey, AAIM Secretary
My deepest sympathy. Mrs. Devona was a special lady!
Neal and the boys,
We are so sorry for your loss....sending love and prayers
- McWilliams Family
I'm so sorry, my condolences to all of you. Love Regina and Wes