Dr. Berkeley "Berk" M. Pemberton, DDS

Berkeley Miller Pemberton, DDS (“Berk”), of Staunton, Virginia, passed away on May 9, 2026, at the age of 81 and is awaiting the return of his lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Born and raised in Staunton, Berk graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. He later attended Hampden–Sydney College, where he met his future wife, Grace Lee Putney of Farmville, and then earned his dental degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

Berk served his country as a Captain in the United States Army Dental Corps during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he dedicated more than fifty years to the practice of dentistry, serving patients in Virginia and New Hampshire. Known for his gentle touch, people would drive for hours to see him. He was among the few dentists who would treat those unable to pay, often bartering, which ended up in peacock ownership at one point in his life.

A man of quiet but enduring faith in God, Berk lived out his beliefs through service to others, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to those around him.

Beyond his profession, Berk had wide-ranging interests and an insatiable curiosity. He summited Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, sailed the waters of Penobscot Bay, and enjoyed both cross-country and alpine skiing. He was an avid snowmobiler and horseman, and an active member of the Glenmore Hunt Club. A natural tinkerer, he built televisions, computers, cars, radios, and wooden furniture, and even learned piano tuning. He loved music. He built several stringed instruments, sang in many choral groups, and enjoyed live music.

Berk was a quiet man who did not seek recognition. He was steadfast, hardworking, and always willing to help others. Those who knew him will remember his humility, his generosity, and his unwavering work ethic.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly sixty years, Grace Lee Putney Pemberton; his daughters, Rosalie Vaughan Pemberton Fessier and Mary Lee Pemberton McDavid; his sons-in-law, Michael W. Fessier II and Frederick R. McDavid III; and his four grandchildren, Frederick Rhodes McDavid IV, Michael William Fessier III, Waverly Jane McDavid, and Berkeley Daniel Fessier. He is also survived by his sisters, Jane Pemberton Cline and Ann Pemberton Blosser, who were much younger than he and whom he loved deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Daniel W. Pemberton and Mary T. Pemberton.

The family will receive friends on May 30, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Henry Funeral Home, followed by a brief memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Valley Mission (1513 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401) or Samaritan’s Purse (P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607).