Della Marie Pemberton, lovingly known as Marie, passed away on May 29 at Presbyterian Manor in Farmington, Missouri, at the age of 104 years, 5 months, and 21 days.
Marie was born December 9, 1921, in Datto, Arkansas, to Elmer Smotherman and Lula May Todd Smotherman. She was the first of eight children born to the family.
In 1937, she married Freeman Edward Pemberton. Together they raised two children before moving to Mississippi County, Missouri, where Freeman worked various jobs to provide for the family. Marie devoted herself to her home and children until 1951, when she began working at Brown Shoe Company in Charleston, Missouri.
In 1959, Marie accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and became a faithful member of First Assembly of God Church in Charleston. Her faith was the center of her life, and she was deeply committed to sharing the love of Christ with others.
After the passing of her husband in 1997, Marie moved to Farmington, Missouri, to be near one of her daughters and family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Freeman Edward Pemberton; seven siblings, Fred Harold, Cleo Frank, Daniel, Theda Gay Kaschmitter, Veda Maxine, Eldridge, and Weda May Clemen; one stillborn brother; and her children, Paul Freeman Pemberton and Sylvia Jean “Sammie” Kettler.
She is survived by her daughters, Betty (Kenny) Lambert of Sikeston, Missouri, Phyllis (Harry) Hastings, and Sandra (Dennis) Triplett of Germantown, Tennessee; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 1, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Cozean Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place Tuesday, June 2, at Abundant Life Family Church, 221 West Highway, Farmington, Missouri, with visitation from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. and the funeral service beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Rick Hensley officiating. Marie will be laid to rest beside her husband at Oak Grove Cemetery in Charleston, Missouri. Her nephew, Ray Parker, will offer a devotion and prayer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Abundant Life Family Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.