Gwen Ann Jeter Pendergraph

Gwendolyn Ann Jeter Pendergraph, lovingly called “Gwen,” entered the world on January 24, 1962, in Spartanburg, SC. She was born to Janice Cartledge and the late Benjamin English. Her life became one marked by strong opinions, genuine laughter, good food, family, faith, and a personality that never simply blended into the background.

A product of Spartanburg County schools, Gwen graduated from Dorman High School and later began a career with the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind. She remained there until retirement, closing an important chapter of her working years and stepping into a season where she could enjoy more of life on her own terms.

Gwen certainly knew how to be Gwen.  She was outgoing and expressive; she was the kind of person who could turn an ordinary conversation into an experience. When she had something to say, she knew exactly how she wanted to say it, and was rarely interested in surrendering the final word. Those closest to her understood that this was simply part of her unmistakable personality. Gwen was candid, spirited, and wonderfully comfortable being herself.

The kitchen was another place where her personality came alive. Gwen could cook, and she genuinely enjoyed doing it. Preparing a meal was something that came naturally to her, and good food had a way of bringing people together. Family and friends will remember not only what came from her kitchen, but also the conversations, laughter, and familiar moments that surrounded it.

Gwen had her favorites, too. Purple, blue, and gold were her colors, and she had a special love for dolphins and tigers. They were seemingly small details, but they became part of the things that made knowing Gwen personal. They were the things someone could see and immediately say, “That’s Gwen.”

Her spiritual life found a home at New Faith International Church, where she was a member and shared in the fellowship of her church family.

Gwen was preceded in death by father, Benjamin English; brother, Benjamin English; and best friend, John Davis.

Those left to celebrate her life include husband, Billy Pendergraph of Spartanburg, SC; mother, Janice "Skinny" Cartledge of Moore, SC; children, Derrick (Shameka) Jeter and Giuynita (Johnny Lindsay) Jeter, both of Spartanburg, SC, and Lakeshia (Daijha) Littlejohn of Lyman, SC; siblings, Troy English of Spartanburg, SC, Ben Boyd of Spartanburg, SC, Angela Rice of Spartanburg, SC, Charlotte Shippy of Spartanburg, SC, Sharon (Aaron) Robinson of Spartanburg, SC, Bridgett (Ali) Banner of Spartanburg, SC, Paul English, Jr. of Moore, SC, Tina English of Spartanburg, SC, Fatima Rice of Spartanburg, SC, Keeonna Rice of Spartanburg, SC, and Kimberly Styles of Blythewood, SC; grandchildren, Jeremiah “Jerry” Jeter, Quae’Derrius Geter, Dereisha Jeter, Derrick E. “Junior” Jeter, Tyliyah McKinney, Tyshun McKinney, Ty’miria Eison, Janya Wilkes, Gwenysia Jeter, and Paris Jeter; great grandchild reared in the home, Royal Smith; great grandchildren, Major Jeter, Royality Johnson, and Legacies Johnson; aunts, Wanda Brown, Theresa Bell, and Ella Thompson; uncles, Theo English and Theordore English; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

On Monday, September 28, 2026, at Upstate Community Hospice, Gwen reached the close of her life’s journey.