Born Norma Jean Pender, but affectionately known as “Reverend Mother”, she is a native Pennsylvanian born and raised in Pittsburgh.  She has been a resident of Detroit for over 35 years. She was ordained in the ministry by the late Bishop E. P. Murchison in 1982 within the Michigan-Indiana Conference of the Christian Methodist Church. Here studies have included the University of Pittsburgh, Wayne County Community College, William Tyndale College, and the Liberty Bible College.

Her motto is “In The Spirit”, where she is bound to get you up on your feet. Rev. Mother offers good, down home gospel music and something for every age group.

In 2001, she celebrated 50 years in gospel music and was honored by the University of California with the “Trailblazer Award”.  She has received numerous awards and citations in the music field where she has served as MC’s for concerts with some of the greatest artist in the gospel industry. She  truly cherishes her “Spirit of Detroit”

Reverend Pender is currently a member of New Jerusalem Temple B. C., where she has faithfully served as Assistant Pastor for over 20 years under the leadership of Rev. Lawrence J. London. She also serves as Public Relations Director of Gospel Music Workshop of America Inc., founded by the late Rev. James Cleveland who appointed her to this position in 1968. Further, Rev. Mother is a part of the Gospel Announcers Guild of the G.M.W.A.

Her favorite scripture is Psalm 27.
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."