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Vivian S. Pemberton, 85, of Edgewater, died of renal failure Feb. 19 at Anne Arundel Medical Center after a one-week illness.

Mrs. Pemberton was born Nov. 26, 1920, and reared in Washington, D.C. After graduating from Roosevelt High School and the Washington School for Secretaries, she started a long and successful career at the State Department's Agency for International Development.

During her 42 years of federal government service she was constantly recognized for her executive secretariat and administrative officer functions.

The last 15 years of her career, she was the "right hand person" to a retired lieutenant general in charge of the Inspector General's Directorate. Many times people working with them on a daily basis weren't sure whether she or the general were in charge, the family said.

After her retirement in November 1988, she enjoyed cruising vacations, water aerobics, entertaining, gardening and her favorite pastime, shopping.

Her husband, Richard B. Pemberton, died in 1983.

Surviving are her son, Dennis Brian Pemberton, and her daughter, Dianne B. Pemberton, both of Edgewater; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway, followed by a memorial service. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown in Washington, D.C. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1041 Route 3 North, Gambrills, MD 21054. Online condolences may be made to www.barrancofuneralhome.com.

As Published in the Capital Newspaper 02/22/06