Dora Mae Newlon Pemberton

PEMBERTON, DORA MAE NEWLON, n, our mother went to be with her Lord Jesus on July 4, 2011, she was 92. She was born in Eudora, Arkansas in 1919, but was raised on the old family homestead outside Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She grew up there with seven brothers and sisters whom she loved very much. They remained close, even though there were often miles and years between them. In 1940, Todd Pemberton, a young cattleman from Oklahoma, saw Mom singing in the choir at the First Baptist Church in Ft. Smith. Daddy loved to tell the story that he never heard a word the preacher said that Sunday morning, but immediately after the service got his aunt to introduce them. Daddy often referred to Mom as his "angel in the choir." They married in 1942, were transferred to Florida and raised the three of us. It always tickled us that Daddy thought Mom was the prettiest girl in the world and said so often over the 62 years they were married. We always thought so, too. Mom was a lady of many talents, but since our relationships are our richest blessings, she will be best remembered as a devoted wife to Daddy, an encouraging and involved mother to us, a loving Mae-Mae to her precious grands and greats and a dear friend to many. She had a servant heart and gave of herself generously to all of us. Her love for us was deeply felt in myriad expressions and her Godly example has been a source of inspiration throughout our lives. Mom was an active member of First Baptist Church of Orlando for over 60 years, singing in the adult choir for 50 years and teaching children's Sunday school for nearly that many. As much as anyone we know, she fleshed out her faith and relationship to Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior by the life she lived. Having been raised in rural Arkansas during the Depression, she was always very frugal and resourceful. Our parents taught us the value of hard work, saving, giving to God's work and to those in need. Mom was "green" long before it was fashionable and politically correct. We often said our mom would leave no carbon footprint. Although Mom considered herself a simple country girl, she was actually more a Renaissance woman. She was a master of the King's English, a wordsmith and a poet. She played the piano, guitar, ukulele and harmonica all by ear. She was a wonderful Southern cook, always cooking everything from scratch. She was an accomplished seamstress, making many of our clothes as we grew up. She stitched over 40 full sized quilts by hand, which she gave to family and friends. Mom's favorite hobby was antiquing, a hobby she passed down to all the women in her family. Her collection of vintage jewelry inspired a granddaughter to found Dora Mae Jewelry, a custom vintage jewelry company named in her honor. Mom understood and lived for the truly important things in life, and we thank God that He chose her to be our Mom. We will deeply miss her. However, she left a legacy of love, wonderful memories and treasures that will last a lifetime. Mom is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Fletcher and her "favorite son-in-love" Rick; son, Todd Newlon Pemberton; son, Walter Bruce Pemberton and her "favorite daughter-in-love", Marya. Her precious grandchildren are Arden Fletcher Magee (Jerry), Adair Fletcher Middleton (Michael), Luke Pemberton, Ansley Fletcher Schrimsher (Jake), Arianne Mae Pemberton, and Walter Pemberton. She also leaves nine great-grandchildren, who dearly loved their Mae-Mae. A Memorial Service for Dora Mae will be held July 12, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Marie-Williams Chapel on the campus of First Baptist Church Orlando. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando 32805. Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, FL. Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com.