Helen Compton Pendergrass

     Helen Lois Compton Pendergrass, 97, of Durham, North Carolina, died on April 28, 2024, at her home. She was born on February 1, 1927, in Durham, North Carolina, to Henry Henderson Compton and Mabel Gertrude Phillips.

     Helen was one of nine children and faced a tough childhood during the Great Depression and World War II. She was a cheerful and caring child who deeply loved her family. At the age of 7, Helen was injured in an accident with a milk truck. This incident required her to be educated at home for two years, delaying her schooling. With determination, she relearned to walk using leg braces. By the age of 12, Helen had to take on more responsibilities at home when her mother started working. All the children had duties, and Helen’s siblings were supportive, helping her become resilient. Clyde and Ethel, who were both born with physical challenges, also did their part at home. Clyde managed the community grocery store, walked everywhere he went, and served as the president of the club he belonged to. Ethel, also living with a physical disability, took charge of paying the bills and washing dishes. Their strength and spirit encouraged Helen to overcome her challenges, stay strong, and keep moving forward. She was a faithful attendee of the Congregational Christian Church and had a strong love for God.

     Helen graduated from Durham High School in 1947. After graduation, Helen attended Crofton Business School in Raleigh. She met her husband at the local Fire Department, where she was fondly nicknamed “Giggles” by the firefighters for her delightful laugh. Helen married her husband, John White Pendergrass, Jr., on February 18, 1950, at the residence of Rev. Harrell Stanley and Mrs. Alberta Stanley, her pastors. Their family grew with the birth of their first daughter, Gail Elaine Pendergrass, on January 16, 1952. Sandra (Sandi) Jane Pendergrass arrived on June 18, 1954, and Jerry Compton Pendergrass on November 11, 1956. A member of several congregations, Helen had been a beloved and faithful member of Yates Baptist Church since 1988. She was devoted to her church, participating in various committees, attending Sunday School in the Bethany Joy Class, and taking part in church events. She enjoyed crafting, especially crocheting and knitting, making baby blankets and Barbie doll dresses for those in her church community. Additionally, Helen was skilled in cake decorating and baking. She was an active member of the Eastern Star for many years. Helen was known for her wisdom and kindness, always ready to lend a hand - and always ready to cheer for her beloved Duke Blue Devils. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

    Helen is survived by her daughters Gail (Johnny) Killough and Sandi Tempelton and son, Jerry Compton Pendergrass; grandchildren Brandon Keith Edmonds, Kevin Anthony Edmonds, Joy (John) Myers Penta, John Walter Tempelton (Ashley), Tori , David Tempelton, Lori Tempelton West (David West), and Jerry Compton Pendergrass (Denese); great-grandchildren Brandi Rose Edmonds, Madi, Will, Shelby, and Michelle Pendergrass; brother Julius Compton; and many nieces, nephews, along with their children.

     Preceding her in death is her husband of 49 years, John White Pendergrass, Jr; her parents, Henry H. Compton and Mabel G. Compton; siblings Edgar Compton, Clyde Compton, Ethel Compton, Henry Compton, Mildred Compton Cook, Nelda Mae Compton Suggs, Daniel Wayne Compton, and Baby Compton.

     A visitation with family and friends is scheduled for Monday, May 6, at 10:00am at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory (1113 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701). A memorial service will follow in the Hall-Wynne Chapel at 11:00 am. Helen will be interred at Markham Memorial Gardens in Chapel Hill (4826 Trenton Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517)

     Flowers are acceptable or memorials may be made to the God’s Growing House Fund at Yates Baptist Church (2819 Chapel Hill Road, Durham NC 27707) in her memory.

     The family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.