Passing of Rev. Donald Pemberton
Former Church of God leader Rev. Donald T. Pemberton passed away on August 13, 2019 in Alabama. He was 87.
Retired since 1998, during his active ministry, Pemberton served in numerous appointed positions for the Church of God. His administrative skills placed him in several business roles with the church during his 47 years of ministry.
Beginning as an evangelist, he took his first pastorate at Middle Valley in Tennessee at the age of 22. He was appointed secretary-treasurer for the state the same year, which was the first of many in church business settings for the rest of his ministry. Among his appointments were director of business and finance at Lee University (Lee College) for four years, Director of Business and Records at the International Offices for five years and General Director of Publications at the Church of God Publishing House. He also worked as administrative assistant in the Department of World Missions.
In addition to his pastorate in Tennessee, he also pastored congregations in Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Naples, Florida. He was a state youth director in Oklahoma and West Virginia for a total of five years. From 1978-1982 he was Administrative Bishop in Arizona and Oklahoma from 1982-1984. His final appointment with the Church of God was administrative bishop of Alabama.
Rev. Pemberton was married to Dorothy until her death three years ago. Survivors include their two sons, Larry and Rick and Rev. Pemberton’s current wife, Mary. Arrangements for Rev. Pemberton are as follows: Viewing will be Friday, August 16, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Westmore Church of God in Cleveland, Tenn. The funeral will follow at the church at 2:00 pm.
