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; Aunt Alexis Morris, Aunt Amy and Uncle Bart Naylor along with Riley Naylor.
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,
