Howard James Pemberton, Sr.

Howard James Pemberton, Sr., age 89 of Athens, passed away Friday afternoon. November 8, 2019 at a local Nursing facility.  He was the son of Asbur and Mary Helen Moore Pemberton, and he was a United States Army Veteran and POW.

He enjoyed fishing, coon hunting and he loved to garden.  He attended Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Sweetwater and he loved spending time with his church family and his children and grandchildren. 

Howard is preceded in death by his parents listed above; two sisters, Maxine and Peggy; brothers, Clarence, Carl, Don L., Sonny, and Percy; and one granddaughter, Savannah Danielle Nelson.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Sue Skyles Pemberton; five sons and spouses, Raymond (Linda), Wayne (Lila), Jimmy, J.P. (Beth) and Johnny; three daughters, Mary Helen (Terry), Suzanne (Todd), and Lisa; two brothers Jimmy and Willie, one sister Holly; 19 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren; co-caregiver granddaughter, MaKayla; several nieces and nephews and other extended family members and church family and friends.

A Celebration of Life and Home Going will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Serenity of Etowah Funeral Home and Cremation Services, with Pastor Keith Wilcox officiating.  Grandchildren (both male and female) will serve as pall bearers and honorary pallbearers.  Interment will follow to McMinn Memory Gardens with military honors.

The gathering of family and friends will be conducted on Monday, November 11, 2019 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Funeral Home.  

You may view and leave your message of comfort on the online guest book at www.serenityfunerals.com

Serenity of Etowah Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the services.