Iris (Crissman) Pendergrass

 Iris Crissman Pendergrass, age 98, of Raleigh, formally of Sanford, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026 at WakeMed Raleigh.

She was born in Forsyth County on March 27, 1928 to the late Sandy Virgil Crissman and Martha Carrie Shore Crissman.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands James Kelso Pendergrass, Sr and Maurice “Ross” Pittman; daughter Sherri Pendergrass Baird and her siblings Sylvia Allen, Alice Bryan, Urban Crissman, Shore Crissman, Larkin Crissman, Martin Crissman, Becky Wilkie, Gaither Crissman and Finny Crissman

A faithful member of Cool Springs Baptist Church since the age of 18, she dedicated many decades to serving her church family. Throughout the years, she faithfully served as WMU Director, church clerk, and nursery worker, touching countless lives with her kindness, steady leadership, and servant’s heart. Her commitment to her faith and church was a guiding light throughout her life.

She was also a talented and hardworking businesswoman, owning and operating her own interior design company for 55 years. Through her creativity, vision, and dedication, she built a respected business and brought beauty and comfort into many homes and lives.

From an early age, she understood the value of responsibility and family. Growing up, she lovingly helped care for her siblings while assisting with cooking, cleaning, and the daily needs of her household. Those early lessons in compassion and hard work shaped the caring and dependable woman she became.

She is survived by son James K. Pendergrass, Jr. and wife, Lisa of Raleigh; siblings Lynn Crissman and Barbara Kinton and two grandchildren Connor Pendergrass and wife Elizabeth  and Blake Pendergrass and fiancé Hannah Watson.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 10:00 AM until 10:50 AM at Cool Springs Baptist Church.  Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Trent Haywood and Pastor Matt Martin officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

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