Ethel Mae Pedigo

Ethel Mae Pedigo, 89, faithful servant of Jesus Christ, loving mother, grandmother and dear friend, died Saturday, November 21, 2009 after an extended illness.Ethel was the 6th of 7 children born to the late Jacob Melvin Dawson and the late Bessie Mae Coker, an Oklahoma farmer and his wife. As a young lady, she would marry, but would shortly be abandoned with 2 small sons and another on the way. Times were hard, but she would rise before the sun came up to dress and feed her sons before school and work.In 1951, she would meet and marry George Pedigo, a widower with a young son of his own. Over a period of time, their love would grow and they would work hard to create a safe and loving home. Soon, God would give them a daughter together, and shortly after, another son that would complete their family.Ethel would work as a seamstress at home, trying to make ends meet. She never complained about the insurmountable piles of laundry, dishes and housework required to keep the family going. Once her children were all in school, she would began a career with Texas Instruments, working the night shift so she and her husband could share the babysitting responsibilities. She would retire after 25 years of faithful service.As a strong Christian, Ethel and her husband George would make the decision to help start a new church in Irving, Texas. It was a home mission work, so financial support for the church was a constant struggle. God blessed and the 1st United Pentecostal Church of Irving would grow. She was a proud charter member of the church, formerly Christ Temple, now known as The Heartland Church.Ethel would work in many ministries,. She taught Sunday School for elementary school aged children. For several years, she served as song leader, passing her gift and love for music to her children and grandchildren. She, along with George, would serve as church secretary and treasurer for more than 20 years.Near the end of her life, she was blessed to have many Heartland members visit her. Flo, her faithful caregiver and companion was always at her side. Mary Herrod began visiting her and would continue that trend for several years until Ethel's death.As her health would fail, her love for Christ would never waiver. She never lost her ability to say "Praise the Lord" or "I love you!"She is survived by her children, Tony Davis, John Davis, Martha Langham and Timothy Pedigo; 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, George O. Pedigo and a son, Jeffrey Lee Davis.Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. Funeral: 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, 2009. Both visitation and funeral will be at The Heartland Church, 310 S. Story Road, Irving, Texas, 75060. Burial: Laurel Land Memorial Park of Dallas.Pallbearers will be young men who were her students in Sunday School class.

Ethel Mae Pedigo

May 1, 1920 - November 21, 2009