Debora Lynn Pemberton

Debora Lynn (nee Smith) Pemberton, 69 of South Lebanon, passed away with her family by her side on September 13, 2025. Born to Robert Lee and Mary Elizabeth (nee McCoy) Smith on February 14, 1956, in Hamilton, Ohio.

Debbie worked in real estate for over 20 years and enjoyed all aspects of it. She loved helping people. Talking and getting to know someone was her strong suit, so getting to meet new homeowners and making their buying and selling experience special was her passion.

Debbie loved to travel. Trips to the beach and the mountains were her favorite, along with trips to their favorite winery in Traverse City with her husband. She loved collecting shells, magnets and wine from all of the places that they would go.

Her strength was unmatched. Debbie overcame many obstacles in her life. From the moment she was born she was a fighter. She prevailed, she pushed through, and she stayed determined to live a wonderful life. She took those adversities and became the best second mother to so many as her children were growing up.

Debbie had a love of her family, her dogs, shopping, cooking for all holiday gatherings and entertaining family and friends and her garden and flowers . She never met a stranger and her ability to talk and relate to others was uncanny. She was the best grandma, dedicated to spending those special moments with her grandchildren, making core memories for a lifetime. Even until her last day, she was the funniest, sweetness and kindest person you would ever meet.

Preceded in death by her father, Robert Lee Smith, her mother, Mary Smith, the aunt who raised her and shaped her to be the person she was, Stella Smith Davis, parents in law, Charles and Charlotte Pemberton, beloved cousin, Kathy Hampton, brother-in-law, Kenny Pemberton and her sweet dogs, Freyja, Gretta and Barney and several friends and family that were near and dear to her heart. 

Debbie is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Rick Pemberton, children, Jennifer (Mark) Winter and Craig Pemberton, grandchildren, Cooper and Claire Schanne, twin brother, Dale (Pam) Smith, brother, Sonny Smith and friends and family that will miss her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, September 18th from 6:00-8:00pm at COhatch, 5325 Deerfield Blvd, Mason, OH 45040.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to Hospice of Cincinnati or Warren County Humane Society.

Mueller Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pemberton Family. 513-398-9100