Ida Lou Pentecost

Ida Lou Pentecost, née Mayo, entered her heavenly home on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Maplewood Healthcare and Rehab of Jackson, Tennessee. She departed this life at the remarkable age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, love, and steadfast devotion to her God, family and church.

Born on May 21, 1928, in Palmersville, Tennessee, Ida Lou was the cherished daughter of the late George Irvin Mayo and Opal Barber Mayo. Her early years growing up in Palmersville, during the depression and WWII, instilled in her a strong sense of community, resilience, and grace—attributes that would define her throughout her life.

Ida Lou was the 1946 Valedictorian at Palmersville High School and continued her educational pursuits at the University of Tennessee at Martin, before transferring to the Knoxville campus to complete her degree in Home Economics graduating in 1950. She was quietly independent as the only child of a farming family from a small rural community and remarkably smart. During her education she was selected as a fellow of the Danforth Foundation as a woman committed to Christian values, service and teaching. She retired as a teacher in 1990 from the Jackson-Madison County School System and was fondly remembered by many of her students during her life. She was a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma and was one of their longest serving patrons in the State. Ida Lou’s journey through life was marked as a Proverbs 31 Woman to her loved ones.

She was preceded in death (2017) by her beloved husband, Joe Pentecost, and her parents. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law Tim Sudderth. While her passing creates an irreplaceable loss for all who knew her, her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched and guided. Before Joe's death, they enjoyed traveling and being a part of the Campbell Street Church of Christ family.

She is lovingly remembered by her surviving family: her son Thomas Pentecost and his wife Margaret; her daughter Alma Pentecost Sudderth, her son Jim Pentecost and his wife Melissa. Ida Lou was a proud and devoted grandmother to Joseph Pentecost, Nathan Pentecost and wife Jennifer, Aaron Pentecost and his wife Karina, Jami Manley and her husband James, Chris Sudderth and his wife Kelly, Jessica Elkins and her husband Seth, and Anna Morgan and her husband Mason.

Her legacy continues on in her great-grandchildren: Max, Slade, Allie and Colton Pentecost; Mason and Mallie Manley; Austin and Parker Elkins, and, Isaac Morgan. Each of them carries forward a part of her spirit, independence and the values she cherished.

Ida Lou Pentecost will be fondly remembered for her compassionate heart, her unselfish service to others, her unwavering faith, and her enduring commitment to her family’s happiness and wellbeing. Her presence at family gatherings brought comfort and joy to all, and her guidance will be deeply missed.

SERVICES: Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Arrington Funeral Directors. A funeral service celebrating Ida Lou’s life will follow in the chapel at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery.

The family request that memorial contributions be directed to Campbell Street church of Christ, 1490 Campbell Street, Jackson, TN 38305 or online at www.campbellstreet.org or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www..Alzheimer's Association .

As we mourn her loss, we also give thanks for the nearly century Ida Lou Pentecost spent among us—all the ways she loved, encouraged, and inspired her family and all those blessed to know her. Her memory will remain a beacon of love and strength for generations to come.

The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the loving and caring staff of Maplewood Healthcare for their compassion and support for Ida Lou.