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Kathleen "Kathy" Louise Pepper (nee Davis), 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Aug. 17, 2025, at home. She was born on May 10, 1961, in the Trenton, New Jersey, area to Bruce Chandler Davis and Constance "Joan" Crago (nee Shuman). Kathy grew up with three siblings: Chris Davis (Sharon), Jeff Davis (Dorothy), and Jennifer Fedczak (Eric).
Kathy graduated from Atlantic Union College in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. On June 17, 1984, she married Stewart Thomas Pepper, and together they shared a life of faith, service, and love. They were blessed with four children: Jeremy Pepper (Dr. Rebecca Pepper, nee Seldomridge), Katrina Jedamski (Graydon Jedamski), Jessica Pepper, and Jennifer Baker (nee Shriver), a much-loved "daughter" who became part of the family after losing her own mother. Kathy deeply cherished her grandchildren: Makayla, 8, William, 5, and Kimber Louise, 1.
A devoted educator, Kathy taught in multiple schools, including Summersville SDA Christian School and Greenbrier Valley Academy in Lewisburg, West Virginia, and homeschooled her own children from elementary through high school. Most recently, she served as a teacher at Parkersburg Seventh-day Adventist Academy until early 2025. Early in her career, she also worked at the Review & Herald Publishing House in Hagerstown, Maryland, as a copy editor and continued freelance copy-editing for years.
As the wife of a Seventh-day Adventist minister, Kathy embraced a life of service, moving with her family to Moorefield, WV; Crawley, WV; Hurricane, WV; Pittsburgh, PA; and finally Vienna, WV. She faithfully supported her husband's ministry by managing his schedule, preparing his sermon slides, and participating in countless church activities. She taught many Vacation Bible Schools, was active in mother's and homeschool groups, and had a deep commitment to prayer ministry – attending numerous prayer conferences where she felt God personally called her to His work.
Kathy loved to travel, especially later in life, visiting Ireland, Greece, and Germany. Yet her greatest joy was always her family and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She wanted it to be known that she considered her son-in-law, Graydon Jedamski, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Rebecca Pepper, as her "second son" and "fourth daughter."
Kathy will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her gentle but determined spirit, her gift for teaching, her magnetic smile, and her boundless love for family and friends.
Funeral services will be Thursday 11 a.m. at the Parkersburg Seventh-day Adventist Church with Pastor Walter Cardenas officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday 4-8 p.m. at the Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg and one hour prior to services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkersburg Academy 1800 38th St. Parkersburg, WV 26104-2030.
Online guests may send condolences to the family by visiting www.LeavittFuneralHome.com.