The Lillys and Seslers were early families living in the area prior to 1865. The earliest death date I could find was in the 1870's. At the time Pemberton was known as Piney River or Valley of Piney.

Frank Cloud established the first post office Dec. 14, 1886. On his application he wanted to name the town Cloud but it was rejected and the name Pemberton was established.

Dr. John Stith Pemberton produced his world-famous Coca-Cola syrup on May 8, 1886 in Atlanta, GA. Is it possible that this town was named in honor of late pharmacist?

Andrew Lilly was part of the Lilly clan that settled in Greenbrier/Mercer County area.

Most of the entries here came from the WV Death Certificates and have no permanent markers. The Black section was grown over in the 1950's and little evidence is visible. (text by J. Samples)

From I-64/I-77 (Exit 42) at Crab Orchard/ MacArthur (direction of Sophia) go about 1 1/2 miles on Robert C. Byrd Drive and take a LEFT on Midway Road (Rt.16/14). Drive about 2 miles and turn LEFT onto Coal City Road (Rt. 29) in the direction to Coal City. This road is unmarked but it is just before Affinity Road and across the street from the VFW building. Drive about 1 mile to Pemberton. From the RR tracks at Pemberton drive .7 miles to a small dirt/gravel road on the LEFT. The road heads downward. This is McVey Lane, but there are no road signs. The cemetery is about a half mile down this road. At a fork, go LEFT. Cemetery will be easy to see.