Marie Pendergraph

Marie Antoinette Pendergraph was born on February 20, 1950, to James Pendergraph and Maefalda "Sweet" Dixon. Her parents, childhood sweethearts themselves, were very young and unable to raise her, so at the age of 3, Marie was lovingly placed with her maternal grandmother, Virgie Dickson. She was raised alongside Virgie’s children— Ralph, Anthony,Vickie and Dena—who were close in age and more like siblings than aunts and uncles.

Marie shared an especially close bond with her grandmother. From Virgie, a Louisiana native, she learned many life skills, including Southern cooking and sewing. Most importantly, Virgie taught Marie about Jesus Christ, instilling in her a strong faith, teaching her how to pray, trust in God and stand up for herself. That foundation of faith shaped Marie's values, strength, and compassion throughout her life.

Marie attended Caldwell Street Elementary School, where she excelled as a reader and speller, tackling words like “Antoinette” and “Pendergraph” with ease. She later attended Walton Junior High and Compton High School, and West Los Angeles and Compton Colleges where she formed lifelong friendships. Marie had a rare gift for making all people feel instantly welcome. With her warmth, bright smile, and genuine curiosity, she formed connections wherever she went making people feel known and comfortable from the very first moment. She loved fashion and even designed and modeled her own prom dress. Though she dreamed of becoming an interior decorator, she was discouraged by a school counselor who told her that young Black women were better suited to nursing. Still, Marie’s creativity and individuality never dimmed. In home economics she expanded on her cooking skills, learning a wide range of recipes and techniques that deepened a passion she would later share generously with family and friends. During those same years, Marie also studied dance, embracing many styles and becoming a phenomenal African dancer.

One of Marie’s greatest roles was that of mother. She raised four children—William Carl Middleton III (Buster aka Ade Bayo), Jua Sekou Malik, Aura Ivria Roth Ward, and Ramman Salim Jackson. She taught her children to love others with kindness, grounded them in faith in God, shared the cooking skills she learned at her grandmother's side, and how to stand up for themselves and their beliefs. She taught them the importance of always being themselves—original, confident and authentic and was deeply committed to giving them rich, joyful experiences. She enrolled them in soccer, tennis, and baseball, took them camping, and ensured they stayed close to extended family. Some of their fondest memories were family gatherings at her cousin and dear friend Mamie's home.

Marie was also a devoted “dog mama” to Ginger, who lived to be 16, and Simba, who lived to be 18.

Throughout her life, Marie shared loving relationships with Billy Middleton, Arnie Roth, Billy Jackson, and John Ziegler. True to her generous spirit, she encouraged the important people in her life to remain friendly with each other, creating an extended family that shared holidays and dinners together.

Marie excelled professionally, as an administrative assistant, including many years with the City of Beverly Hills Parks and Recreation Department and later with Westec Security. She was deeply respected and well loved by her coworkers. At Westec, she was selected from hundreds of employees as Co-Employee of the Year and rewarded with a trip to Japan. After a work-related injury, she retired in 1998 but remained in contact with many colleagues.

The role Marie cherished most was that of grandmother. She adored her eight grandchildren—Judah, Ajah, Amir, Kamil (RIP), Wesley, Zakiya, Willow, and Inaya. She was playful, affectionate, and loved sharing old favorites like The Little Rascals and her love of dance. They were her pride and joy.

Marie battled lung cancer bravely and quietly, choosing to be remembered as the bright, loving light she had always been. Her children, along with Arnie and John, stood faithfully by her side caring for her during the final months of her life. In the end she clung to the words "By His stripes I am healed."

Marie had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. She knew she was going home to heaven and left behind these words for us all:

“Thank you, Father, for blessing me. I am overjoyed with the people the Lord placed in my life. God will always be love. Human kindness can heal the world.”

Marie Antoinette Pendergraph's life was a testimony of faith, love, creativity, and grace. Her light will continue to shine through the generations. Thank you God for putting her in our lives!