Vivian Irene Pender began serving the Greater Canton area in 1951 as a cosmetologist at Irene's Beauty Salon. In 1953, she founded Pender's Beauty Nook, serving the community for sixty-one years as an African Americanbusinesswoman/Entrepreneur. Currently, she is the oldest active African Americanbeautician serving in the greater Stark County area.

Mrs. Pender was a member of the Canton Chapter of Beauticians number fifteen, where she served diligently as President for one year. In addition, she was nominated by her chapter to serve as a delegate and financial secretary for the state convention. She has been an instructor/workshop leader, teaching the fundamentals of Marcel waving and curling to other beauticians; volunteer cosmetologist at Massillon State Hospital and Smith's Nursing Home; consultant at Brogdon Funeral Home.

Mrs. Pender has been an active member in many community and church activities, such as, teaching Sunday school for more than thirty-eight years and a member of the Community Christian Choir, directed by Larry Wilgus. She was a fan of The McKinley Bulldogs, Thee Ohio State University Buckeyes, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Also, she enjoyed listening to her favorite song, "Can't Truss It", by Public Enemy. She enjoyed wearing black low-top Air Force One sneakers. She is also a Deaconess of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and a member of the Canton Urban League.

A graduate of Emery Street High School in Dalton, Ga., Mrs. Pender was awarded on June 10th, 1944, a Diploma from Dermis Cura College of Cosmetology in Atlanta, Ga.

Married to Homer Pender (deceased) in 1946, and together have one daughter, Dr. Marilyn D. Pender (deceased), ; one Grandson, Homaundré A. Pender, of Canton, OH., and one Great-Granddaughter, Deja E. Frazier, of Houston, TX.