Mary (Miller) Pemberton

Mary Helen Miller Pemberton was born on December 4, 1937, in Troy, North Carolina. She was the beloved daughter of the late Rufus and Fannie Colston Miller. She transitioned from her daughter’s home to her eternal home on December 5, 2025. From an early age, Mary was destined for greatness. Though she would not have told you, she was just getting things accomplished.

She attended Peabody High School, Troy, North Carolina, where she not only excelled academically, but was also a fearless point guard on the basketball court. People have said that she could steal the basketball from the tallest players. After her high school graduation, she attended a business college in Washington, DC, before continuing her studies at Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina.

Mary was a woman of family, faith, and philanthropy. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Alfred Pemberton Sr. for fifty-four years before his passing on September 14, 2018. She was a loving mother to their three children: Bruce, Sonya, and Alfred Jr.; a doting grandmother, great grandmother, and a guiding light for countless others in her community.

A life-long member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Gilead, North Carolina. Mary was a devoted choir member, usher board member, deaconess, and an unofficial mentor to younger members in the church.

Mary was not only a servant leader, but had a heart of giving, and a talent for getting things organized. She co-founded The Concerned Parents Club, where she played a pivotal role in awarding the first scholarship to an African American student at West Montgomery High School, Mt. Gilead.

For over twenty years she served as founding and honorary board member of the Highland Community Center, advocating for its success and ensuring it became a pillar in the community. She was a former member of Order of Eastern Star Lodge 457. She was also founder and organizer of the Highland Senior Citizen Group, and the annual Christmas Banquet. This event famously featured a fashion show led by Mr. James Leak. If there was an event to be organized, Mary was at the helm. Leading, informing, uplifting, and ensuring no one left empty handed or uninspired. That was Mary’s Mantra.

Her contributions were officially recognized on February 11, 2019, when she was honored as Director Emeritus of the Highland Community Center Board of Directors. The largest classroom in the main building proudly bears her name, Mrs. Mae Helen Pemberton Corporate Room. A well-deserved tribute to her legacy.

Mary was a fighter of civil rights and education. During her time at Bennett College, Mary trained in nonviolent protest techniques as part of the fight for integration in Greensboro. She stood firm in the face of injustice. During one of the civil rights marches, she was spat on, but she never faltered. Her commitment to justice led her to become a devoted NAACP member. She had a special gift for voter registration. Mary had a charming personality that endeared others to her. It had been said that Mary could knock on someone’s door, sit down with them as they snapped beans, and before she left, they were registered voters. Now that is dedication.

Mary was a fighter of civil rights and education. During her time at Bennett College, Mary trained in nonviolent protest techniques as part of the fight for integration in Greensboro. She stood firm in the face of injustice. During one of the civil rights marches, she was spat on, but she never faltered. Her commitment to justice led her to become a devoted NAACP member. She had a special gift for voter registration. Mary had a charming personality that endeared others to her. It had been said that Mary could knock on someone’s door, sit down with them as they snapped beans, and before she left, they were registered voters. Now that is dedication.

Her professional career was just as diverse as her talent for organizing. Never idle, she was employed with: Russell Hosiery Mill, Burger Shack, United Mills, Montgomery County Public Schools, and retired from McRae Shoe Factory.

Her impact on the community did not go unnoticed. She received the following awards: The Mongomery Community College Minority Male Mentoring Leadership and Black Entrepreneurship Award, the first Milfred F. Greene Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Friends in Focus, and Recognition on Fox Channel 8 WGHP’S Roy’s Folks, where she was celebrated not only for her community work, but for her legendary fried chicken.

Mary will also be celebrated and remembered for more than awards. People loved her and she was known by many names that included Ms. Mary, Mae Helen, Aunt Mae, Mother Pemberton, Mama, Grandma, Gigi and her nickname Dynamo. Whatever the name, one thing is certain, when Mary Pemberton called, people answered.

Another interesting accomplishment about Mary was that in 1956, Mary received an invitation to try out for the 1956 Olympics in Track and Field. However, this was not God’s Plan; he had other work for Mary to do.

In later years at Autumn Care, Mary had begun planning a basketball team and an Autumn Care Choir. She always had a plan in motion.

Six siblings preceded her in death (Rufus Miller, Jr., Willie Ray Miller, Annie Frank Green, Luvenia Tyson, Cecil Miller and Sherman Miller

A life well lived. Her legacy lives on. On Friday, December 05, 2025 Mary entered God’s Kingdom. She gave up time for eternity, and her works speak for the extraordinary life she lived. Her love and legacy will forever live in the hearts of her three children: Bruce Arness Pemberton, Tampa, Florida, Sonya (Derick) Pemberton-Rush, Julian, NC and Alfred Lewis Pemberton, Killeen, TX; Bonus sons, David (Bonita) Miller, Carthage, NC and Stanley (Sue) Pemberton, Mt. Gilead, NC; sister, Bertha Bowden (Fayetteville, NC); brother, John Henry Miller (EL Paso, TX); eight grandchildren: Shaketia Haywood, Lorenzo Martel Shaw, Rashad Shaw, Brandon Shaw, Kenneth Deonte’ Pemberton, Brianna Pemberton, Alneisha Pemberton, and Alfred Pemberton III; great granddaughter, Leiana Pemberton; great grandson, Jaxon Pemberton; special granddaughter, Kayla Bowden and Special Autumn Care Roommate, Martha Robinson, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Mary Helen Miller Pemberton’s life has been one of service, faith, and unshakable determination. Sleep well dearest, the point guard has arrived. God needed a beautiful flower for his garden.

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