Donna M. Pendleton

Donna was welcomed into the world by her caring mother, Dorothy Scheler, on August 21, 1945 in Louisville, KY. Growing up, she attended local schools, St. Helen’s and Butler High, before meeting the love of her life, Anthony “Tony” Pendleton, Sr. They married on June 20, 1964 and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary last year.

“I don’t remember anyone else at the get-together because I was so focused on her.” - Tony Sr.

Throughout her life, Donna was passionate about her faith. She has been an avid member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Montevallo, AL for the past thirty years and a dedicated volunteer of the Campus Cooks program.

Nobody, and I mean nobody, went hungry around Donna. How could you pass up one of her famous dishes anyway? From chili made with special Bloemers chili powder to all-you-can-eat salad spread, from blackberry wine cake to personal pizzas, and from broccoli casserole to hashbrown casserole, she made sure your stomach was full and happy. Donna found so much joy providing for others and found it terrible for anyone to go hungry.

Donna’s talents and loves were many! Jamming to Broadway musicals, cheering for University of Louisville basketball, enjoying eats at Mike Linnig’s and Del Toro’s, styling out with Grinch-themed attire, cooking and baking yummy treats, beating everyone at any board game or card game imaginable, hosting the best house parties, and absolutely excelling at being the best daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother anyone could ever wish for.

Donna’s two sons, Timothy Pendleton and Toby Pendleton, preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Anthony “Tony” Pendleton Sr.; son, Anthony “TJ” Pendleton Jr.; sisters, Martha Fitch and Joan Clark; brother, Robert “Bob” Scheler; brother-in-law, Bobby Clark; sister-in-law, Pat Scheler; daughter-in-law, Michelle Pendleton; grandchildren, Mallory Pendleton, Jared Pendleton-Cowsar, Anthony “T3” Pendleton III, and Anna Pendleton-Cowsar; and many other adoring relatives and friends.

Visitation will take place at Southern Heritage from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on March 30 and the funeral service will follow immediately afterward. Donna will be interred alongside her son, Tim.

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to Jimmie Hale Mission in Birmingham, AL https://jimmiehalemission.com/donate/

In honor of Donna, please play a board game or card game with your loved ones - and whatever you do, don’t take it easy on your opponent and stretch your arms out like a T-Rex to collect your winnings!

A livestream of the service will be held on the Southern Heritage Funeral Home Facebook Page at 2:30 p.m.

“I'm already there

Take a look around

I'm the sunshine in your hair

I'm the shadow on the ground

I'm the whisper in the wind

I'm your imaginary friend

And I know I'm in your prayers

Oh I'm already there”

-Lonestar