Mary Jane “Janie” Pendergrass, 88, of Olathe, Kansas peacefully passed away on August 27, 2026 at Evergreen Community of Johnson County.
Janie was born on May 28, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois to Harold and Lena Carter. She was raised in Danville, Illinois and later attended the University of Kansas, where she was a proud member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. She was incredibly proud to be a Jayhawk, and her love for KU remained a special part of who she was throughout her life.
In 1960, Janie met the love of her life, Donald Robert Pendergrass, while on a trip around the world. Their meeting began a beautiful love story, and they were married on September 1, 1962. Together, they welcomed three children: Carter, Kathy, and Kristy, who became the center of Janie’s world.
The family eventually relocated to Independence, Missouri where Janie unexpectedly lost her beloved husband, Donald, in an accident. Despite this heartbreaking loss, Janie remained in Independence and devoted herself to raising their three children. She was a strong, loving, and dedicated mother who made sure her children always knew how deeply they were loved.
Janie was an active member of the Independence Young Matrons and earned her real estate license. She also shared her love of flowers as co-owner of Village Flowers in Independence. She made many lasting friendships throughout her years in the community and was always happiest when surrounded by people she loved.
In 1998, Janie moved to Naples, Florida where she spent 18 wonderful years enjoying the sunshine, relaxing by the pool, and watching the beautiful Florida sunsets. Those years brought her many happy memories and moments she treasured. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, she eventually returned to Missouri to be closer to family and receive the care she needed.
No matter where Janie lived, her home was always a place where people were welcomed. Her door was always open, and she had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel like family. She truly never knew a stranger. Her warmth, kindness, sense of humor, and genuine love for others will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Janie is survived by her twin daughters, Kathy Jane (Kirk) Seeger and Kristy Marie Pendergrass, and her daughter-in-law, Susan Rae Pendergrass. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Lauren Jane Seeger, Allison Marie (fiancé Tyler Burr) Seeger, Collin Robert Seeger, Phillip Carter (Elizabeth) Pendergrass, and Sydney Rae (Misha) Sayers. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Blakely Mae Delay Seeger, Arthur Winston Pendergrass, Charlotte Rose Pendergrass, Dean Grayson Sayers, and Stella Rae Sayers. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and the love she poured into each generation will continue to live on through them.
Janie is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Robert Pendergrass; her son, Carter Robert Pendergrass; and her parents, Harold and Lena Carter.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Community of Johnson County, 18109 W 112th St, Olathe, KS 66061. Burial will take place at a later date in Danville, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janie’s memory to Evergreen Hospice Care LLC of Olathe, Kansas or Evergreen Community of Johnson County.
Obituary published by Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri.
