Barbara May (Duckworth) Pede

Barbara May Pede (Duckworth), age 80, of Lansing, Michigan, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 2, 2014.  She was born a triplet October 27, 1933, in Lansing, MI, to Rev. Oral and Opal Juanita (Hawkins) Duckworth along with her brother, Bradley, and sister, Bethany.  Five years later, their brother, John, joined them.  She loved them dearly, as well as their families.  As a family they ministered to people in American Baptist churches in Michigan.  Beginning at age 12, she played the piano and organ for worship services in all of the churches she attended until the last couple of years.  She taught piano and organ lessons for 35 years.  As an auxiliary member of Gideon’s International, she gave Bibles to countless people.  With her cheerful and gentle spirit she ministered to a multitude of people and encouraged them with letters and cards, not forgetting a birthday.  She embroidered lovely gifts.  She deeply loved her children and grandchildren.  Her daily prayers and generosity for them and her friends were wonderful blessings to us all.  Her favorite person, though, was her husband, Wayne, whom she adored for 56 years.  Their musical ministry touched many lives for God.  April 15, 2013, Wayne went home to heaven where Barbara has reunited with him and all of her loved ones who are there.

Barbara is survived by:  children, Mary Jane (LaVerne) Davenport, Stephen Wayne Pede, and Beverly “Bea” May (Thomas) Sloothaak; 8 grandchildren, Sylvia Marie, John Holt, Daniel Christopher, and Jennifer Rose Davenport, Nolan James, Andrew Jay, Janae Emma, and Marlae May Sloothaak; brother, John Wesley (Connie) Duckworth; sisters-in-law, Sylvia Sue Duckworth, and Lois Maxine Pede; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Bethany Louise (Duckworth) and Dr. William Connor; brother, Bradley Lawrence Duckworth; sister-in-law, Elnore Emma Pede; and brother-in-law, Elmer Richard Pede.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Kendon Drive Church of the Nazarene, 711 Kendon Dr., Lansing MIThe family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time Saturday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for Bibles, to Gideon’s International in memory of Barbara May Pede.  Online condolences may be left at www.EstesLeadley.com.

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8 Messages to “Barbara May (Duckworth) Pede

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Joelee Bateman
March 5, 2014 at 12:46 am

Mom Pede was a great adopted mom to have. I have always known her love for me and her support along my spiritual journey. She was a great encourager. She enjoyed playing the piano and I sang, we shared together the gifts that God gave to us. We were blessed to be friends and fellow journeyers. I will miss you, Mom Pede. Thank you for loving me, accepting me and encouraging me.

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David and Sheryl Olmedo
March 5, 2014 at 7:26 am

Our prayers are with your family at this time. We were recipients of Barbara’s faithful birthday cards, letters, stickers, gifts and love over the years. She was an encouragement to our family and ministry.

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Francis J. Jane
March 5, 2014 at 7:28 am

Our friendship goes back many years. Many sweet memories. May the Lord bless your family at this time.

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Carol Johnson
March 5, 2014 at 8:21 am

My prayers are with you all. Although I didn’t know your Mom personally, I certainly remember her face at ERC. What a joyful reunion she must have had when she went Home! I wish I could pay my respects on Saturday but am afraid we have another commitment. Will be thinking of you all and am sure her service will be a joyful celebration service of her life and ministry.

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David Snell
March 5, 2014 at 11:44 am

I have such wonderful childhood memories of Barbara and her smile. Every time our families got together on the holidays and at Eaton Rapids Camp Meeting, she always seemed to have that same pleasant smile that banished cloudy days. My sister Marjorie, brother Dan and I were there when she married her handsome groom. Fifty-plus years later, she told Marjorie and me about their courtship, telling of her surprise and delight when Wayne first asked her out. She considered that, and their many happy years together, as something of a miracle.

Over the years, as our families scattered around the country, our time together was limited, but the thing I remember most about the adult Barbara was the way she was there for me when I was hospitalized recovering from Vietnam war wounds. Although I was in California and too far for in-person visits, I could depend on receiving a cheerful note from her every day. It meant so much to me that, over the years, I have followed her example, “passing it forward.”

When she wrote to tell of Wayne’s passing, I understood the loneliness she was feeling. She was blessed to have a wonderful, caring family, as all of us were blessed to have her in our lives. Writing this, I can’t help but smile thinking of her smile at being reunited with Wayne and her other loved ones. Thanks, Barbara, you were/are a very special person.

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Bryan Decker
March 5, 2014 at 7:37 pm

I knew Barbara Pede from Kendon Church of the Nazarene, she was a great person. She will be missed. Knew her over 10 years and her husband Wayne.

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Karen Wilcox
March 6, 2014 at 4:52 pm

I was so sad to read of your mom’s passing. I have many fond memories of taking piano lessons with her and love piano music to this day. My thoughts are with you.

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Judy (Malcolm) Chamberlain
March 6, 2014 at 7:19 pm

I well remember your family from when I first started attending FBC in Lansing. Your dad was the choir director and your mom played the organ. She was a very quiet, sweet lady. My our Jesus bring you comfort as you go through this time. The memories you have of your parents will always be with you. Remember, there is a “Hello” after goodbye and you will be with them far longer than you are without them. God bless you.

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