Author and Advocate
Joan Pendergrass is a Dominican-born businesswoman, author, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and passionate advocate. She migrated to the United States at the age of 18 in search of opportunity and a better life. Starting from the bottom in corporate America, Joan worked her way up to management, breaking barriers through determination, faith, and perseverance.
She is also the wife and widow of one of the world’s greatest musical icons, the late R&B legend Teddy Pendergrass.
In her inspiring memoir, The Secret of Things, Joan bravely breaks her silence about a life shaped by abandonment, childhood sexual abuse, and trauma. Through her journey of survival and spiritual awakening, she found healing and, later in life, an unexpected and profound love with Teddy that transformed her world.
Joan is the Founder and Chair of The Teddy & Joan Pendergrass Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries. Her mission is rooted in compassion and purpose, to help one person at a time overcome the weight of secrets, the pain of the past, and the journey toward healing and self-worth.
Joan enjoys the simple joys of life. She loves cooking, baking, and gardening, and finds peace and fulfillment in creating beauty in the kitchen, in the garden, and in the hearts of others.
Selected Videos of Joan and Teddy
Victim No More Short Film
Joan Guest Speaker at Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Teddy's Video Compilation #1
Teddy's Video Compilation #2
Teddy's Video Compilation #3
Teddy's Video Compilation #4
IAMWHOIAM Exhibition 2016 Teddy's Memorabilia
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