Zola Ray Pendergrass was born May 15, 1920 in Oregon. The Family first moved to Fresno when Zola was 2 months old and then settled in Clovis.
She attended Clovis Schools and graduated from Clovis High in 1938. She went on to Fresno State College where she earned her teaching credentials.
In her youth, Zola marched in the Clovis High band and rode her horse in the Clovis rodeo parade. She then taught school at Clovis Grammar School along side her Mother and her future husband Ray Sturgill.
She served as a Wave in the Navy during WWII. In 1944 she married Ray in her parent's back yard while she and Ray (who was also in the Navy) were on leave. After they were discharged they returned to Clovis.
Zola supported Clovis all her life. She participated in the growth of the Clovis Education System as a full time teacher and also as a substitute. Through life's ups and downs Zola led a way of life that enter twined with the growth and history of Clovis, a contribution to a community that has prospered by her participation.
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