First responders, who arrived swiftly at the scene, managed to pull the two other individuals—whose names have not been publicly released—from the debris alive. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, and as of the latest reports, both are expected to survive. Patricia, however, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

She was 67 years old.

A Tornado’s Trail of Devastation

Patricia’s death is part of a broader tragedy that has unfolded across the St. Louis region following Friday’s catastrophic weather event. The storm system that struck the area was part of a larger tornado outbreak spanning the Midwest, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-3 tornado—with wind speeds exceeding 136 mph—touched down near Fountain Avenue and Aubert Avenue in the Fountain Park neighborhood, precisely where Centennial Christian Church has stood since the early 1900s. The historic structure, long considered a cornerstone of the community and a monument to the city’s African American spiritual legacy, suffered what city officials are calling “catastrophic failure.”

Structural engineers and city inspectors are currently evaluating the site to determine the exact cause of the collapse. Preliminary assessments suggest that years of wear combined with the overwhelming force of Friday’s tornado led to a sudden compromise in the building’s integrity.

Out of caution, the entire surrounding block has been cordoned off. Cleanup efforts are underway, but crews are working carefully, both out of respect for the sanctity of the site and for the safety of workers and residents nearby.

Mourning a Matriarch: “She Was the Church”

As news of Patricia’s death rippled through the community, a chorus of voices rose in tribute—each one painting a vivid portrait of a woman who lived not for herself, but for others.

“She was our matriarch,” said Rev. Denise Caldwell, pastor of Centennial Christian Church. “If you ever wondered what faith in action looked like, you just had to look at Patricia Pendleton. She showed up—for the hungry, for the hurting, for the kids in Sunday School who didn’t know their verses. She made sure you knew you were loved.”

Members of the congregation gathered outside the rubble, some weeping, others singing hymns softly, their voices quivering with emotion. A temporary memorial has already begun to form—candles, flowers, and handwritten notes accumulating on the church’s wrought iron fence.

One card read simply: “Thank you, Ms. Patricia. You taught me how to pray and how to love.”

A Life of Purpose

Born and raised in St. Louis, Patricia Pendleton was a lifelong resident of the city and a decades-long member of the Centennial Christian Church. She married Harry Pendleton at the very church where she later gave so much of herself. Friends and family say she found her purpose in ministry—not from the pulpit, but in the day-to-day acts of compassion that often go unnoticed.

“She believed in doing the little things,” said her niece Darnell Thomas. “She’d show up with groceries if she heard you were struggling. She’d drop off a birthday card with a handwritten prayer inside. She didn’t want praise. She wanted people to be okay.”

In addition to her church work, Patricia also volunteered at local food banks, organized coat drives in winter, and mentored young women through the church’s women’s ministry program. Though she never held a formal title within the church hierarchy, everyone knew who to go to when things needed to get done.

“She was our quiet leader,” said longtime church member Clarence Mitchell. “She didn’t raise her voice often, but when she spoke, everyone listened.”

City Response and Continuing Investigations

In a press conference Saturday morning, Mayor Tishaura Jones offered her condolences to the Pendleton family and all affected by the storm. “The city of St. Louis is mourning with you,” she said. “We’ve lost a giant in our community—someone who didn’t just attend church, but was the church in every sense.”

City officials are working closely with engineers and emergency management teams to assess the broader damage from the storm. As of this morning, more than 30 buildings have been reported damaged or destroyed. Thousands remain without power, and multiple injuries have been confirmed.

Investigators are looking into whether aging infrastructure played a role in the collapse of Centennial Christian Church. Although the church had reportedly undergone limited structural renovations in recent years, the full extent of its storm-readiness is now under scrutiny.

Honoring Her Legacy

Plans for a memorial service are currently underway. The Pendleton family has asked for privacy as they process their loss but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. Harry Pendleton shared that Patricia would have wanted the community to “keep showing up,” to not let fear or grief stop the work of loving and serving others.

In her honor, Centennial Christian Church has launched the Patricia Pendleton Service Fund, which will support community outreach programs—feeding the hungry, aiding the elderly, and mentoring youth, just as Patricia did for so many years.

In a city shaken by loss, Patricia Pendleton’s life stands as a shining example of faith, resilience, and compassion. Her work did not end with her passing—it continues in the hearts and hands of those she inspired.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Matthew 25:23

May we remember Patricia not for the way she left us, but for the countless ways she lifted us.