Obituaries 10/03/2024
Bruce E. Cox
FLORENCE – Bruce E. Cox, 78, of Florence, passed away on September 22, 2024. He was a cherished individual known for his kind, loving, caring and humorous personality. Bruce lived a life filled with tremendous passion and service toward others. He grew up in Water Valley and graduated from Water Valley High School.
Visitation was held Monday, September 30, 2024, from 11-1 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. A graveside service followed at 1 p.m. in Greenview Memorial Park with Robert D. Moore officiating.
Bruce was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Betty Oliver Cox; his parents, Joe Thomas and Eva French Cox; and siblings, Tommy Cox, James Cox and Margaret Faye Mitchell. He is survived by his daughter, Robyn Lyn Cox (Ryan Bennington); and a sister, Bettie Cox Morris (Ron).
Anita Bessent Pendergrass
CORDOVA, Tenn. – Anita “Carol” Bessent Pendergrass, age 81, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024, after a long battle with dementia. Born in Water Valley to Tommie Mae Gurner and James Harwell Bessent, Carol was raised in Friendship, Tenn. She graduated as valedictorian in 1961 from Friendship High School and continued her education at the University of Tennessee, pursuing a degree in elementary education. While there, she met her husband, Jim Pendergrass, and following their marriage in 1963, the couple moved to Memphis.
Carol completed her undergraduate degree at Memphis State University, from which she subsequently obtained a Master’s Degree in Education, while at the same time raising four children and working as an elementary teacher. She later transitioned roles to become a school guidance counselor. Institutions she served include Frayser Baptist Academy, Sky View Academy, and Southern Baptist Educational Center (now Northpoint Christian School), where she worked for over 30 years.
Carol was a lifelong United Methodist and enjoyed spending time with family, reading, cooking, the outdoors, and later in life became a competitive ballroom dancer. She loved children and had a special way of touching the hearts of all who knew her. Her kind and gentle spirit will be greatly missed.
Carol leaves behind three adult children – Jana Wilson (Billy) and Mike Pendergrass, both of Memphis, and Joe Pendergrass (Shawn) of Knoxville, Tenn.; four grandchildren, Alex Gilbertson and Mary Elizabeth, Sally, and William Pendergrass. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Porter (Tom) of Mebane, N.C., and her brother, Jim Bessent, Jr. (Cathy Markoff) of New York, NY, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents and by her son, Brian Pendergrass.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 5 at 2 p.m. at Heartsong Church in Cordova, Tenn., with a reception of friends following the ceremony. The family requests that any memorial donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Northpoint Christian School, or a memory care facility of your choice.