Mary Anderson Bowden Pendery

Mary Anderson Bowden Pendery, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away at her Parker County home Wednesday, January 14, 2009. Memorial Service 1:00 P.M. Monday, January 19, 2009 at Azle Christian Church. Pallbearers are John P. Cannon, Jr., Kevin Cannon, Chris Piercy, Brian Lingo, Sr., Brian Lingo, Jr., Lewis Smith. Born July 8, 1913 in Springfield, Illinois to Dr. Henry G. and Mary Anderson Bowden. She and her family moved to Fort Worth, Texas at age 13. Upon graduation from Texas Christian University she taught in the Burleson School District and at J.P. Elder Elementary in north Fort Worth before marrying A.L. "Lud" Pendery, Jr. in 1937. Mary and Lud moved to Azle in 1948 and owned and operated a dairy farm where they raised 4 children. She returned to teaching in 1962 and taught first grade in the Azle School District until her retirement in 1979. She never really retired, immediately beginning volunteer work that involved her in every facet of Azle community life. A driver for Meals on Wheels; Hospital Auxiliary member, with over 6,000 volunteer hours; honored as Teacher of the Year; and one of Azle's first Ladies of the Year; serving as an original board member of the Pastoral Counseling Center and as a volunteer for Hospice patients. Sharing her gift of music, Mary played the piano at Azle Manor Nursing Home, entertaining the residents twice a month. An active member of Azle Christian Church where she was Elder Emeritus she taught Sunday school, directed the choir, held position of board chair, secretary of the board and many others. In later years she could most often be found working in the flower beds around the church planting and watering. She loved to feed the birds and deer in her backyard. Combining a strong faith in God, a joyful, giving, and determined spirit, with a life-long love of learning Mary fully embraced life. She believed in God, family, and service to community. Predeceased by her parents, husband of 54 years and brother Henry Gilbert Bowden. Survived by her children Mary Ann Lancaster, Suellen Cannon, Ludlow Pendery and Lynn Piercy. Grandchildren John Lancaster, Jr., Jeff Lancaster, John P. Cannon, Jr., Michael Cannon, Kevin Cannon, Lisa Lingo, Lani Biay, Lori Van Leeuwen, Lewis Smith, Deion Smith, Eryka Pendery, J. Chris Piercy and Jennifer Piercy. Great-grandchildren Kristy Lancaster, Peter Cannon, Samuel Cannon, Catherine Cannon, Brian Lingo, Jr., Patricia Lingo, Stephanie Biay, Michael Biay, Brandon Piercy and Isabelle Piercy. While these things describe what Mary Pendery was in life, she is more clearly defined in the family that she raised, loved, and inspired. The care and devotion she gave are etched upon the souls of those she loved and called family. In lieu of floral arrangements, suggested memorials: Azle Christian Church Playground Fund, 117 Church Street, Azle, TX 76020 or charity of choice.