Shirley Jean Pender

Suddenly on Monday, March 28, 2016, the Lord assembled His angels in Hyattsville, MD and carried home His beloved and faithful servant Shirley Pender. Shirley was born to the late Joseph S. Taylor, Sr. and Everlean R. Taylor on November 18, 1949 in Nathalie, VA. She was the third child of four siblings from this union. Shirley’s education began at the Sunflower Elementary School in Nathalie, VA. When the family later moved to Washington, DC, she attended Langley Junior High School and graduated from McKinley Sr. High School in 1969. At an early age, Shirley accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Nathalie, VA. Upon moving to Washington, she continued her walk with Christ by joining the Israel Baptist Church. She was an active member for several years before later joining the Mount Sinai Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend David Durham. Shirley started her professional career at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center as a Nursing Assistant. She continued her employment at the VA Medical Center in Human Resources in a myriad of positions. While working, Shirley further pursued her education and earned her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Strayer University. She retired from her position as a Benefits Specialist on November 3, 2014 after 41 years of committed and dedicated service. Shirley was blessed with a beloved son, Larry Lamont. Shirley and Lamont were inseparable for many years, and they spent numerous hours of quality time which helped ensure that Lamont would become a well-rounded, Christian adult. While attending Mount Sinai, Shirley met her future husband, Simon Pender, Jr. They were united in holy matrimony on June 6, 1981. God blessed this union with a daughter, Evelyn Rosanne. While a faithful member of Mount Sinai, Shirley was actively engaged in many ministries. These included organizations such as Minister Wives & Widows, Missionary, Durham Choral Ensemble, Seasoned Saints Choir, Family Unit 5, and Young Lives. Shirley’s last leadership role was serving as President of the Charity Ministry where she was greatly involved in planning shopping and movie trips, birthday celebrations, Christmas fellowships for the Seasoned Saints of the Church. Shirley loved the Charity Ministry! Over the past three years, she also coordinated the distribution of the annual Christmas Baskets to fellow church members and their families. She was proud to be a member of Mt. Sinai and gave support to those in need. She was also a member of numerous external organizations including the Baptist Minister Wives & Widows Association of DC & Vicinity, Sisters of Excellence Inc., Disciples of Praise, and Blacks in Government. She was the Past President of the DCVA Medical Center’s Employee Association and the Potomac River Baptist Nurses’ Association. As her Husband says “Shirley didn’t let much grass grow under her feet”. She enjoyed traveling domestically and abroad with her Brother Gary and Sister-In-Law Rachel. They visited Peru (2009), Italy (2011), and China (2012). She thoroughly enjoyed her many road and shopping trips with one of her best friends, Anna Guidery. Most notable was a trip to New Orleans to assist Pastor George Guidrey and his church, the First House of Prayer Baptist Church, with the clean-up following Hurricane Katrina. Shirley achieved world class fame for her cooking skills among her family and friends. She loved making peach cobbler, sweet potato pies and potato salad! She loved holidays and family gatherings. She would spend hours cooking and preparing for her company. Shirley had many friends who trusted and admired her for these and so many other reasons. Shirley loved her family, especially her grandchildren - Tiffani, Nicholas and Peter, Jr. She always spoiled them in her own special way. She was proud to be a Grandma and loved to share stories and pictures of her Grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Joseph, Sr. and Everlean Taylor and her beloved son, Larry Lamont Campbell. Among those left cherish her beautiful and glorious memory are: her Husband Reverend Simon Pender, Jr.; Daughter Evelyn Blue; Son-in-Law Minister Peter R. Blue Sr.; Stepson Sean Moment (Takeisha, Akira, Sean, Jr. and Shanel); “Adopted Son” Derek Williams (Jessuita); Grandchildren Tiffani Bria Rutland Campbell, Nicholas Simon Pender, and Peter R. Blue Jr.; Siblings, Joseph S. Taylor, Jr. (Gloria), Doris V. Lawrence (John), Gary L. Taylor (Rachel); Her loving Niece, Lisa Moore (Joe); Best friends, Anna Guidrey, Constance Hopkins and Lois Anderson along with a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be held on (Tuesday) April 5, 2016 at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 1615 3rd Street ,NW Washington, DC 20001 at 9 am, service from 11 am. Interment will follow to Ft. Lincoln Cemetery 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood,MD 20722. Arrangements by Johnson and Jenkins Funeral Home, Inc.

Shirley Jean Pender

November 18, 1949 - March 28, 2016

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Shirley Jean Pender

November 18, 1949 - March 28, 2016

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Resources

Grief & Healing

Obituaries

About Us

Contact Information