Ganelle Margaret Brunet Pemberton, 89, passed away Monday, August 12, 2013, in Beaumont, surrounded by her loving family. Ganelle was born October 13, 1923, in Silsbee, Texas, to William Henry Harris, Jr. and Vera Yoksh Harris. She was a direct descendant of William Clark, Jr. – a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
Mother grew up in Silsbee but during World War II moved to Alameda, California, to work as a secretary in the Alameda Naval yard. There she met her future husband, Malcolm (a Navy ensign), and they married in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, where they lived for several years before moving to Beaumont. After Mac passed away in 1989, she married Charley Pemberton, and they eventually moved out to Blanco Texas. Mother loved her plants and gardens, and they even started a successful lavender farm while there.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Pemberton, of Beaumont; her two daughters, Suzanne Airhart of Kountze, Texas, and Dianne Fontenot of Beaumont; her sons-in-law, Billy Fontenot and Edmond Airhart (deceased); her stepson, Craig Pemberton and his wife, Cindy, of Beaumont; stepdaughter, Paige Windham and her husband, Morris, of Beaumont.
Her grandchildren are Michael Airhart and his wife, Blossom, of Cedar Park, Texas; Ellen Hebert and her husband, C.J., of Austin, Texas; and Emily Fontenot of Beaumont, Texas; step-grandchildren, Travis Pemberton, Peyton Pemberton, and Keely Carter.
Her great-grandchildren include Matthew Airhart, Cole Hebert, and Madeline Hebert.
Ganelle was preceded in death by her husband, Malcolm J. Brunet; and her brother, William (Buddy) Harris III.
She was a kind and caring person —and a lovely lady always. We will all greatly miss her loving ways.
A gathering of Mrs. Pemberton’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m., Friday, August 16, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2013, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont. A family committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church Building Fund, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77706; or St. Ferdinand Catholic Church Building Fund, 25 Main Street, Blanco, Texas 78606.
