Sammy Alveda Pemberton, age 102, of Chilhowee, MO passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Warrensburg Manor Care Center in Warrensburg, MO.

Sammy was born on February 6, 1922 to Samuel and Orlena Pemberton in Chilhowee, where she would live her entire life. On August 15, 1942, she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart J.W. Cook. Together, they owned and operated the Cook Funeral Home and Ambulance Service for 27 years as well as Cook's Store for 44 years. After J.W.'s passing on October 17, 1983, Sammy would go on to marry Gordon Pemberton of Odessa, MO in 1988 until his passing in 1994.

Sammy was a devoted member of the Chilhowee Baptist Church from 1933 until her death. She was a 50+ year member and a past Worthy Matron of the Chilhowee and Warrensburg Eastern Star Chapter 3. She was also a member of the Missouri Funeral Directors Association and held a Funeral Director's License. She was active in civic and school affairs, the Chilhowee Fair Committee, and she and J.W. collected admissions to the high school basketball games for over 30 years. She served on the Boards of Directors for the Fair Committee, the Senior Citizens Complex, and the Chilhowee Cemetery Association for many years.

Sammy enjoyed working in her beautiful yard, doing all of her own lawn work, mowing, gardening, and decorating well into her 90's. She welcomed friends to have family pictures taken with the impressive backdrops of the gazebo and bridges on her property. She was also dedicated to decorating the Baptist Church for holidays, dinners, and special occasions for over 50 years. She assisted many young couples with the planning and decorating for their weddings and receptions.

Sammy was preceded in death by her 5 siblings Stella, Audrey, Leland, Evanell, and Helen as well as a special friend for over 10 years, Ben Cast. She is survived by her nephew Dale Marksberry (June), numerous other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, as well as her stepson Donald Pemberton (Peggy) of Odessa, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024 at Chilhowee Baptist Church. The family will receive visitors from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A graveside service will follow at Chilhowee Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Chilhowee Cemetery Association and can be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.