(July 20, 2022) She was an amazing woman who raised a son who conquered the music, and she then went on to live a life longer than most folks could dream. Tonight, we say goodbye to Ida Pendergrass, mother of the late R&B star Teddy Pendergrass. She was an incredible 104 years old.
The news was posted on social media by Jerry Cummings aka Emeritus AP Jeremiah Cummings, singer and former member of The Blue Notes. He posted “Mother Ida Pendergrass, the Mother of Teddy Pendergrass just passed this life Peacefully at Home. Thank you Karen Pendergrass for calling us. Mother was 104 years old. Her Spirit will always be with Jerry & Gloria aka Emeritus AP Jeremiah Cummings, who She Referred To As Her Son.”
When we last saw Mrs. Pendergrass, she was being serenaded at her 100th birthday by Cummings (see video below), an event that became an internet favorite for many soul music fans.
Mrs. Pendergrass was formerly known as Ida Geraldine Epps. She married Jesse Pendergrass and delivered their son Teddy on March 26, 1950, after reportedly suffering six prior miscarriages. Unfortunately, Jesse Pendergrass was not active in his son’s life for several years, leaving Mrs. Pendergrass to raise her son alone on the north end of Philadelphia during his childhood. She remained very close to her son and, along with his wife Karen, helped him regain his life after his tragic 1982 auto crash that left him paralyzed from the chest down.
Mrs. Pendergrass remained a fixture in the hearts of music fans through her 100th birthday and beyond. May she rest in peace.
