Hugh Arthur Pemberton

Born at home, February 4, 1927, he grew up all over Birmingham, including the West End and Woodlawn areas. As an adult, he lived in Homewood, Vestavia, and finally the Narrows Garden Home Community.

"Hap" was raised in the uncertain and turbulent times of the Great Depression and World War II. He pushed through many painful challenges in life the best he knew how, as did many of his generation.

Hugh was an icon in the florist industry in the city of Birmingham. He started early: At the age of only 11, typical of many impoverished children in his generation, he got his first job, selling bouquets on the sidewalks of Birmingham for Lovett’s Flowers. He remained under their employ from June 1938 until February 1945.

While working in his spare time, Hugh did his best attending school wherever his family lived. He attended Woodlawn High School, but also typical of his generation, when the United States was called to war following Pearl Harbor in 1945, the 17-year-old Pemberton enlisted in the U.S. Navy with his parents’ legal permission. He was honorably discharged on his mother’s birthday, July 6, 1946, as a Yeoman, Third Class.

Hugh's WWII decorations and medals were, first, for serving in the American Theatre; secondly, for serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; and thirdly, he proudly received the Victory Medal when he and his fellow shipmates captured a Japanese ship’s flag at the end of the war.

His navy tour of duty resulted in one very close friendship that lasted for life, with shipmate Fred Jobs, who with his wife, remained friends for many years with the Pembertons. They visited back-and-forth between Alabama and California until their passing.

Hugh married Marian Gail Seaborn of Ensley on August 25, 1956, almost exactly 70 years ago. But before he settled down in marriage, he continued to build his business and establish himself well in the florist industry. He purchased Martin Flowers in 1951, eventually owning two shops in the Birmingham and Vestavia areas. His former flower shop building is now The Original Pancake House at Five Points South.

Hugh sold Martin Flowers in 1996, after owning the business longer than Mr. Martin did! Afterwards, Mr. Pemberton made an extremely bored retiree, and thus very quickly went to work as a designer for other florists in the Birmingham area. He continued to work as an amazing floral designer until finally, very reluctantly, retiring at the age of 96!

Hugh was, numerous times, elected as the President of the Southeastern Florists Association, enjoying many conventions with other florists throughout the region, and even nationally, with his wife Gail, who handled the business end of Martin Flowers. Hugh/Martin Flowers was awarded numerous times for his work in the florist industry.

Church meant a great deal also to Hugh. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Birmingham since 1985, and previously a member for many years of Southside Baptist Church of Birmingham. He served as a deacon at both churches.

Hugh was always a very sociable young man and loved to dance, even well into his early 90’s! Even at over 80 years old, he was known to dance everyone else off the dance floor at wedding receptions!

When he was in his early 20’s, he founded the Chi Delta Fraternity, whose fellowship he enjoyed for many years. He was later a member, for several years, of The Club in Birmingham.

After becoming a widower, Hugh rediscovered an old sweetheart, Wadine Rouse, who was also widowed by this time. They enjoyed many delightful evenings dancing with others of their generation, as members of The Dragons Dance Club.

Especially after selling the flower shop and no longer carrying such a heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders anymore, Hugh loved spending Christmas, holidays, and birthdays with family. He loved watching Alabama football, and enjoyed watching his only granddaughter dance in her ballet recitals. He was always proud of her every talent and accomplishment.

Hugh was predeceased by his mother, Stella Mae Guthrie Pemberton, and step-father, Walter Raymond Pemberton. He was preceded in death also by by his wife of almost 43 years, Marian Gail Seaborn Pemberton, in 1999.

Hugh is survived by his three sons, Kyle Grant Pemberton (Sarah Griffin) of Fairfield, Alabama, and Jeff Seaborn Pemberton (Stefanie), and Stuart Daniel Pemberton, both of the greater Birmingham area. He is also survived by his only granddaughter, Mary Virginia Pemberton of Fairfield. She is bride-elect of Mr. William Alexander Motter, currently of Pell City.

Hugh is also survived by his younger brother, Ray Pemberton of Alabaster, Alabama; nephew, Micheal Pemberton (Kathleen) of Georgia; Hugh’s baby sister, Virginia Estelle Pemberton Robison of Royse City, Texas; his nieces, Loretta Bartlett (Donnie Brown) of Klamath River, California, and Celeste Hutka and Nanette Mulkey (Greg), both of Royse City, Texas; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Chris Bartlett (Amy) of Medford, Oregon, Rebekah Aranibar (Dean) of Royse City, Broc Parker (Crystal) of Rockwall, Texas, Pierce Parker (Anna) of Royse City, Bryce Hutka of Heartland, Texas, Maggie Hutka of Pocatello, Idaho, Meagan Heath (Shane) of Royse City, Brady Mulkey (Nicole) of Greenville, Texas, Jenna Mulkey of Northport, Alabama, Jayton Mulkey of Royse City, and Jaelyn Mulkey of Royse City; and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, Caleb Bartlett, Lynnie Xenos, Melanie Xenos, Demitri Aranibar (Micayla), Juliana Aranibar, Ryleigh Parker, Adilynn Parker, Presley Parker, Nehemiah Hutka, Taytum Heath, Hayes Heath, and Kaylee Mulkey.

Celebration of Life activities will be Saturday, August 15, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Birmingham, 2209 Lakeshore Drive, Homewood, AL 35209. Visitation 12-1 p.m., followed by the funeral in the church's sanctuary at 1 p.m. Private burial with military honors, Elmwood Cemetery, Birmingham.