Brooklynn “Brookie” Pendarvis, born on August 28, 2007, passed away on September 13, 2024 in a tragic car accident on rain-slick roads at the tender age of 17. Brookie was the beloved daughter of Jody and Andrea Pendarvis and the cherished sister of Ava Claire and Macie Pendarvis. Her bright and loving spirit will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Brooklynn was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Joey and Dolores Pendarvis; her beloved Aunt Jo; her maternal grandfather, Jim Carr; and Walt and Glenda Williams.
She is survived by her great-grandmother, Dorothy Carr of Jonesboro, Arkansas; Uncle Brad Washam and his daughters, Brynn and Braelyn Washam, Uncle Larry and Aunt Julie “Juju” Rich and their daughters Halle and Carley Rich, Chase and Jaden Martin, all of Bono, Arkansas. On her maternal side, she is survived by Rich and Gail Riley of Mayflower, Arkansas; Judy Riley of Florida; and Greg Morris of Harrison, Arkansas. Additionally, she leaves behind her Uncle “T” Tyler and Aunt Bri Riley, along with Victoria Claire and Colt Riley and Aunt Jenny Riley and Ethan Huss, all of Russellville, Arkansas.
Brookie was a proud member of the Highland Lady Rebels basketball and volleyball teams, Student Council, and Fellowship of Christian Students. One of Brooklynn’s favorite Friday night activities was being the water girl for the Highland Rebels varsity football team. Brookie could be found joining any fun activity that came her way, always eager to spread her boundless energy and joy. Dancing came as naturally to her as breathing, and her talent shone through in everything she did. While these organizations brought her happiness, her true joy was found in feeding her baby calf, George, eating Mexican food at El Palenque, getting Dr. Peppers from Sonic, playing with her cousins, and going to the park with her mother. Most importantly, Brookie truly found her peace when she went fishing or deer and turkey hunting with her father. However, the goal was hard to achieve as absolute quietness was impossible.
Brooklynn loved God with all her heart. On August 11, 2024, she made the decision to be baptized into the body of Christ. She worshiped at Ash Flat Church of Christ and was determined to be a light to this world so that others would come to know the love of Jesus and His saving grace.
Brooklynn had a heart that reached out to everyone. She never met a stranger and always made sure that no student sat alone in the Highland lunchroom. Her kindness and welcoming spirit were felt by all who knew her, and she carried herself with grace, generosity, and love.
Though she has left us far too soon, Brooklynn will forever be remembered through the many lives she touched. On her 17th birthday, her mother Andrea wrote a poem that now perfectly captures the essence of her daughter’s life:
In fields where sunlight warms the earth,
She thrives with joy from dawn’s first birth.
Farming hands and fishing line,
Her spirit’s free, her heart divine.
By water’s edge and fields so wide,
She swims and laughs with children by her side.
A Razorback’s pride in her heart’s beat,
A sister’s prowess, a feat so sweet.
Her coaches yell, then laugh in the same breath,
Her skill and joy bring life to the court’s depth.
Top of the charts, she soars so high,
Yet wonders where stop signs lie.
Some truths take time to see and accept,
Though it may make her ill, she’ll reflect.
By the new student’s side, she takes her stand,
A welcoming heart, a helping hand.
Though her RBF may seem a guise,
Her soul reveals the love inside.
A dance with no concern, pure and bright,
In every move, she takes delight.
True to her word, with honesty,
She lives for Jesus, eternally.
Family bound by her warm embrace,
With truth and love, she lights the place.
A spirit fierce, yet gentle and kind,
A heart of gold, in her we find.
Brooklynn lived a life full of laughter, love, and light, and she will always be remembered for the way she loved and cared for others. She lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, dancing with the angels and smiling down on her family and friends.
All those whose lives were touched by Brookie are welcome to attend services on Monday, September 16, 2024 in the A. L. Hutson Memorial Center on the Highland School District campus. Visitation of family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the funeral to follow at 3:00 p.m. Minister David Studer will officiate; speakers include Uncle Shon Riley, HHS coaches Sterling Stowers (football), Jo Beth Webb (volleyball) and Cecil Meyer (basketball) as well as Tyler Riley, Rich Riley, Brynn Washam, and Lynn Keener. Congregational singing will be led by Theron Isaacs: “I’ll Fly Away” ~ “Mansion over the Hilltop” ~ “Blue Skies & Rainbows”.
Burial will be in Wiles Cemetery at Ash Flat, Arkansas. Pallbearers include Owen Hyslip, James Jensen, Tracey Blake, Wade Grayson, Cameron Quandt, Snow Wilson, Nathan Circle, and Jason Hyslip. Honorary Pallbearers are the HHS Class of 2026 and the Highland High School faculty, students, and district staff.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a scholarship in Brooklynn’s honor, celebrating her love for people, faith, and life.