Mr. Maurice Pemberton

On Sunday, August 23rd , 2020, Bro. Maurice Lloyd Pemberton went home to be with the Lord, leaving a legacy of humility, love, charitable services and a host of family and friends who’s lives were all touched by his unique and excellent spirit. Maurice was born on February 27th, 1951 in Basseterre, on the beautiful island of Saint Kitts. The fourth of four boys born to Keturah and Luther Pemberton. As the youngest sibling to Agnes, Joseph (Sonnie), Vincent and St. Clair, he often gave his older siblings a run for their money. Mouse, as he was affectionately called, was a prankster who often got them into hot water with their parents and teachers. For instance, often when he was being disciplined, he would cry until his father released him. And when he was released, he would run away quickly and laugh at his father. Making his brothers laugh while in the process trying not to get beaten themselves. At bedtime, they would giggle together, careful not to make too much noise. But of course, Maurice the troublemaker would make funny faces and sounds forcing his brothers to laugh along with him. Their father would come in the room with the belt swinging! Guess who never felt the belt? Maurice was always a step ahead planning his next comedic attack on his unsuspecting siblings, children, friends, family and pretty much anyone who let their guards down around him which was very easy to do because of his effortless charm and good nature. They all knew well not to fall asleep in his presence, or else risk waking up with toothpaste or baby powder all over their face. His initial years of education began at Basseterre Boy School where he studied until taking the exam that would allow him to be accepted into Grammar School. In Grammar School, he sat his O-level exams, where he passed French and Spanish with distinction. For 6 years he worked hard and received a scholarship which allowed him to be accepted into the University of the West Indies in Barbados. He studied linguistics and earned his bachelor’s degree in Languages, specifically French and Spanish. Soon after he began teaching in Barbados and was also working as an invigilator proctoring for CXC exams for high school students. And there his first son, Maurice Jr. was born. He then went to Cayman Brac to teach, which is where he met Gloria the love of his life. He soon left the Cayman Islands for the Bahamas, where he continued to teach. Maurice and Gloria extended their family with Emerson, who was born in Jamaica. After Mario’s birth, mother and son joined Maurice in the Bahamas and the family continued to grow, with Kahlil being born a few years later. Maurice and family then returned to St. Kitts, where his relationship began with the Lord. During this time, Stephan was born, and Maurice’s teaching career progressed leading them back to Bahamas where they spent 5 years. After a time, the family left to seek better opportunities and migrated to the the United States. They lived in Bronx, New York where they worshipped at the Gospel Assembly Church of Jesus Christ for over 10 years before relocating to Atlanta Georgia. They became a part of the Pentecostal Deliverance Assembly church family and Maurice served with the same gust of enthusiasm and love that he was well known for. Overall, Maurice served the body of Christ as a Deacon for 25 years. He is greatly loved and will surely be missed by his church family, who affectionately refer to him as “Brother P”. Maurice considered his greatest accomplishments to be his relationship with God, his marriage to his love, Gloria, for over 29 years, whom he cherished until death. As well as his sons Maurice Jr., Emerson, Kahlil, Stephan, and his grandchildren Kezia and Josiah. Family meant so much to him and he took every opportunity to ensure they knew he treasured them and even more so in his last days on earth. He had a flair for the culinary arts and skills in the kitchen, he mastered the art of combining flavors, so well that he made octopus taste like chicken! He began every greeting in either French or Spanish and had a unique way of making an ordinary phrase or sentence sound magnifique! He was very passionate about education and used every conversation as an opportunity to teach. Maurice also loved to volunteer and one of his proudest moments was being a part of the rebuilding project in St. Martin after a major hurricane. Always loving the camaraderie of community Maurice was an active Rotarian member throughout the Caribbean region and was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Award. Maurice will always be remembered for his spirit of excellence, wisdom, and love for God. He consistently believed that God is faithful and is able to do all things well. He trusted God to the very end and encouraged others through his unwavering faith. In his darkest moments he remained a vessel that housed the light of Christ. He brought joy and life to all who knew him. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. He was a unique gift of God on earth and will be forever loved and cherished in our hearts. His home now is with His heavenly Father. I hear the Father saying, “well done, my good and faithful servant”. Maurice is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 29 years, Gloria Pemberton; four sons and one daughter in law: Maurice Jr & Donna Layne-Pemberton, Emerson Mario, Kahlil, and Stephan Pemberton; two grandchildren: Kezia and Josiah Layne-Pemberton, his three brothers: Joseph, Vincent and St. Clair; his nieces and nephews Eric, Frank, Keith, Clive, Lesley, Steve, Julia, Eldon, Diahann, Shauna, Jason and Jacqueline; and his great nieces and nephews, Kyra, Shaniah, Cliandre, Diejanee, Kitaro, Juwan, Clive Jr, Javier, Kylon, Shirnelle, Shane, Shamar, Gabriel and Julius lll. He is also survived by other relatives in Palmetto Points, St. Kitts and Nevis, and cousins Tony and Eudora, in St. Croix. Maurice also leaves behind a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, devoted friends and a family in Christ that has shown him true brotherly love. May his soul rest in peace. **Due to COVID-19 a mask will be required to enter the chapel.** Celebration of Life Service (INVITATION ONLY) for Mr. Pemberton will be held 1PM on September 4, 2020 at our SOUTH DEKALB CHAPEL 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway Decatur, GA 30034. This service will be live streamed here on our website. Interment: Resthaven Garden of Memory 2284 Candler Rd, Decatur, GA 30032. Visitation September 4, 2020 from 11AM -1PM at Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 404-241-5656. Please express your condolences here on our website. **Due to COVID-19 a mask will be required to enter the chapel.**

Tributes

Mr. Maurice Pemberton

February 27, 1951 - August 23, 2020