Cathy JoAnn Pendergrass, 61, of Bryan, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, at Vanderbilt University, surrounded by her loving family. Raised in Owensboro, Kentucky, Cathy later moved to Morgantown, Kentucky, and was a graduate of Butler County High School. Cathy attended Western Kentucky University and was a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in animal science/agriculture.
Cathy was preceded in death by her father, James Beck.
Cathy spent her life cultivating beauty, capturing memories, and creating joy in the lives of everyone she met. Her passion for working horses and enjoying a ranching lifestyle were shared with family and friends. With a camera in hand, she had an uncanny ability to capture life’s precious moments, preserving them for generations to come. Many of her incredible images were featured on covers of western and livestock publications across the country.
Cathy’s love for gardening was evident in her vibrant flowers and flourishing plants, which was reflected in her nurturing spirit. She used this hobby to instill work ethic and an enjoyment of nature in her grandchildren. Her adventurous soul led her to explore the world through travel, finding wonder and inspiration in every new place she visited. The light of Cathy’s life was her family, especially her beloved husband, Bill, her children, and her grandchildren, who were the center of her heart.
She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Bill Pendergrass, of Bryan, Texas; her four children, Erica Faith(John), of Mobile, Alabama, Aaron(Alyssa)Faith, of Readyville, Tennessee, Andy(Carla) Pendergrass, of Houston, Texas and Dusty(Emily) Pendergrass, of Dublin, Texas; and her treasured grandchildren, Layla Pendergrass, Raylee and Landon Faith, Hudson and Etta Pendergrass. She is also survived by her mother, Linda Burns Beck, of Owensboro, Kentucky, her siblings, Cindy Minnicks(Jerry), of St. Augustine, Florida, James (Faye) Beck, of Hope Mills, North Carolina, Robin (Roger) Hagerman, and Daniel Wright, both of Owensboro, KY, and a host of extended family and dear friends.
Cathy was deeply loved by many for her kindness, humor, and the warmth she brought to all who knew her. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and a life lived fully.
Services to celebrate Cathy’s life will be held at Woodbury Funeral Home in Woodbury, Tennessee on Saturday January 4, 2025. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by a service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Beefmaster Educational Endowment Foundation, in honor of Cathy’s generous spirit.
A celebration of life will be held in Franklin, Texas on January 25, 2025.