Josephine Davidson Pendergrass

   KINGSPORT — Josephine Davidson Pendergrass, 101, of Kingsport, passed away on Saturday (Dec. 22, 2012), after a brief illness.    She was born in Glen Mary, Tenn. on Dec. 13, 1911 to Joseph T. Davidson and Selina Molyneux Davidson, whose families were immigrants from England. The family moved to Chattanooga, Tenn. where in 1936 Josephine married Harry F. Pendergrass, also of Chattanooga. The young couple moved to Knoxville, Tenn., and later to Kingsport in 1948.    A graduate of East Tennessee State Teachers’ College, now ETSU, Mrs. Pendergrass taught first grade in Chattanooga Public Schools and kindergarten at Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church.    She was artistic and as a young woman produced many oil paintings and played the piano and violin. She loved plants and flowers, which thrived under her care. At one time she was a member of the Kingsport Garden Club. She has been a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church since 1948, serving in many capacities. She was an avid reader and enjoyed many kinds of needlework, knitting, crocheting, and latch-hooking. She knitted blankets for the Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Mass. She loved animals of all kinds and was very supportive of the Humane Society.    She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Harry F. Pendergrass.    Mrs. Pendergrass is survived by two daughters, Selina J. Woods and husband, Dr. William A. Woods of Winchester, Mass. and Jean Ellen Pendergrass of Arlington, Mass.; two grandsons, Matthew F. Woods and wife, Tricia L. Woods of Otter River Mass. and Dr. Alexander D. Woods and wife, Dr. Tamara Woods of Columbia, Mo.    The family will receive friends at Oak Hill Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 until 6 p.m. and also at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 161 East Ravine Road, Kingsport, Tenn. on Friday from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the services.    Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with The Rev. Edward J. Mills III and The Rev. Chris Harpster, officiating.    Entombment will follow in Oak Hill Mausoleum No. III at Oak Hill Memorial Park.    The family wishes to thank the staff of Wellington Place Assisted Living of Colonial Heights for their love and support over several years. 

Selina and Jean, our hearts and prayers are with you as you navigate these difficult times.

God bless us everyone!

BC