Obituaries

Jean Catherine Bigger passed away on June 16, 2025 in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Jean was born on October 23, 1941 in Pocahontas, AR to Paul and Lucille Barthel. Jean married Robert E. Bigger on August 9, 1964. Together they lived in Madisonville, KY where they enjoyed gardening, cooking, canoeing and camping trips, traveling, and time with friends and family. Upon retirement they moved to Panama City, FL where they enjoyed their true passion of fishing, always competing with each other for who caught the most vs. who caught the biggest. Jean is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Paige and Randall Coy of Hendersonville, TN; her sister, Nancy Barthel of Pocahontas; sister Barbara Manzano and niece, Andrea Raymond of Tecumseh, OK; her sister in law Kaye Bigger of Pocahontas and her nephews, Ben Bigger of Rogers and Brock Bigger of Pocahontas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bigger; her parents, Paul and Lucille Barthel; brother, Paul Barthel; sister, Rita Wurtz; and brother in law,

Margaret Ann Pendergrass, 80, of Corning, peacefully departed this life on Monday, June 16, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones. Margaret was born on September 20, 1944, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, to the late Willie Porter Matthews and Velma Rose Dame Matthews. A devoted member of the First Baptist Church, Margaret exemplified faith and perseverance throughout her life. At the age of 50, she began her college journey, proudly earning her degree by the age of 52, an inspiring achievement that reflected her dedication and determination. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Pendergrass; her parents, Willie and Velma Matthews; and her siblings, Eula Mae Brott, Bill Alvin Matthews, and Douglas Matthews. Margaret is lovingly remembered by her children: Theresa Pendergrass, Barbara Pendergrass Tribble, and Connie Pendergrass; her brother, Gary Wayne Matthews; her sisters, Wilma Gene Crews and Frances Marie Matthews; five cherished grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many extended family members and a host of dear friends whose lives she touched with kindness and grace. Margaret’s legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her. There will be a graveside service held on Wednesday June 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Masonic Cemetery.