Attorney Emma Pendergrass was the epitome of excellence. I was privileged to meet her while still in law school as she frequently hosted Charles Houston Bar association meetings at her home. I last greeted Emma at a Charles Houston Bar Association gathering at the home of Mr John Burris in June 2021. I am pleased to say that she was lively and vibrant as always that day. Emma showed me many kindnesses over the years and often offered a word of professional advice when I was a young attorney. I will never forget Emma as a regular at my Jazzercise classes at the Grand Avenue Veterans building. Further evidence of how lithe she was on her feet is that she regularly appeared at annual James Brown tribute dance parties hosted by attorney Pamela Price. Emma will never be forgotten. She will always be iconic in my recollections of the Bay Area legal community and she will always be a model of the consummate professional and a simply fabulous woman.

I remember Ms. Pendergrass fondly from my early years in Alameda County.  I am saddened to hear of her passing.  Rest in Peace, Emma.