February 15, 1963 ~ November 14, 2024

Glenda Joann Pendergrass (Jodi), age 61 of Dayton, TN passed away on Thursday, November 14th, 2024 in her home surrounded by family.

Jodi was born on February 15th, 1963 in Indiana. She has been a resident of Dayton, TN for most of her life. She was a graduate of Rhea County High school. She earned an associates degree in business. Jodi enjoyed a long and successful career as the Rhea County Assistant Finance Director. She also was temporarily the Interim Finance Director, and was a Certified County Financial Officer. Jodi worked very hard and was very proud of her vocation.

Jodi made it her mission to help people. She was an asset to her work family and often worked long hours and weekends to help others. She volunteered yearly for the Angel Tree Toy Drive. She helped elderly individuals in her community with shopping, cleaning, transportation, etc. She was known for her generosity, kindness, and ability to hold the attention in a room full of people. She also enjoyed shopping, murder mysteries, collecting jewelry, and accessorizing with Stanley cups of many colors. She especially loved spoiling her grandson and great nieces and nephews.  

Jodi suffered from a rare form of kidney disease and eventually required a transplant. She wanted to give special recognition to her very good friend, Dena Hufstetler, who selflessly donated her own kidney to Jodi.  

Jodi was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Leroy Freed and Viola Jean Smith Angel; sister, Glennis Jean Hirt, brother-in-law, David Hirt, and niece Heather Marie Hirt.

She is survived by her son, Dakota (Ali) Pendergrass;  grandson, Walker Pendergrass; nieces, Chrissy (Shane) Watson and Danielle (Brian) Smith; great nieces, Arica Watson and Bristol Mallory; great nephews, Gunnar Smith, Austin Watson, Logan Watson, Aiden Burdette, Rylan Watson; and many wonderful friends whom she also considered family.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 16th at the Dayton Church of God of Prophecy family worship center at 2:30PM.  The family will receive friends from 2 until the time of the service.  Following the service a meal will be provided and everyone is welcome to attend.