Joseph V. Pemberton's Obituary
Joseph Vallee Pemberton, 74, of Proctorville, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on June 29, 2024. Joe will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his family and church family.
Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Jean Riley and his stepfather, Edsel Riley. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Debbie; daughter, Amy (William) Lester; son, Joseph D. Pemberton; grandson, Joey (Emily) Lester; granddaughters, Emma Lester and Kaelynn Pemberton; grandson of the heart, Braxton Woodruff; brothers, John (Jackie) Pemberton, Gerald Pemberton, and Jeffrey (Julie) Pemberton; stepsister, Nancy (Raymie) Williams; brother-in-law, Dana (Debbie) Browning; sister-in-law, Susan Pennington; special nieces, Ellen (Kelly) Steele and DeeAnna Cornell; special nephew, Dana (Shanna) Cornell, and a host of other special nieces and nephews
Joe was born on March 4th, 1950 in Ironton, Ohio. He graduated from Dawson Bryant High School and earned an associate degree at Ashland Business College. He was a member of the U.S. Army and served his country in Vietnam from 1969-1971. After returning home, he had a more than 30-year career with GTE as a lineman and installer, was a supervisor for Verizon, and had a 14-year "retirement" career at Walmart. He was also a member of the Fairland Board of Education from 1980-1988. Joe was a scholarly man who loved reading and sharing his wide base of knowledge with those he met. He brought joy to many with his singing and banjo playing. Joe was also a loving, gentle, and devoted husband and father, leading his family with strength and wisdom. While he loved serving his family, country, and community, his heart's greatest desire was to serve our Lord.
Joe was a member and an Assistant Pastor at Abundant Life Baptist Church in Proctorville, Ohio. At 66, he felt the Lord calling him to preach. He taught the adult Bible School on Sunday mornings, and wanted to be with the Lord's people whenever the doors were opened. He also attended Abundant Life's church camp outreach, Camp Jerri, as a counselor. He loved camping, singing, and sharing the gospel with the boys and looked forward to that week every summer. Throughout his time at church and Camp Jerri, Joe had the opportunity to lead many people to the Lord. You couldn't be in his presence long without him asking, "Are you saved?" and "Doyou go to church?"
Joe will be remembered for his unwavering strength and unending devotion to those he loved. He leaves a legacy of character and faith that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Abundant Life Church, Proctorville, Ohio, with Pastor Roy Johnson, officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at 12:00 P.M. at the church. Burial will follow at Rome Cemetery in Proctorville, OH.
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