News and Views

Pastor James Robert Embrey, Sr., 85, died Jan. 16, 2019, after a 10-year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia.  A celebration of Life servicewas held Jan 25, at the Brown Funeral Home in Martinsburg, W. Va., with the Rev. Walter Bowers officiating.

James Robert Embrey was born Sept. 15, 1933, the son of Mildred Madeline Beard and James Robert Embrey. He lived in Baltimore during his school years until he joined the Air Force. Upon discharge from the military, he was employed at the Baltimore Sun Newspapers agency for 32 years, retiring as an advertising manager.

While attending Wesley Theological Seminary he served the congregations of Community UMC of Laurel and Gary Memorial UMC.

After returning to Berkeley County, he served the congregations of Trinity UMC where he led the Monday night “Trinity Church 6:34 Services.” During the decade of the 2000s, he pastored part-time and full time the congregations of New Street UMC (2000), Middleway UMC (2001-2005), then spent three years retired. He also served at Kabletown UMC, and Darkesville Charge for six months in 2009.

In earlier years he was active in Berkeley County Ministerial Association projects including War Memorial Park Vesper Services. He enjoyed music and was happiest when he was leading congregational singing and participating in choir.

He was preceded in death by a sister.

Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Mary Jo Embrey; and her daughter, Amy McSherry Rush; former wife and the mother of his children: Marilyn Moxley Embrey, Suzanne Ritchey and husband Tom of Knoxville, Tenn.; Michele Winberry and fiancé Dustin of Arbutus; and James Robert Embrey, Jr. and wife Sara of Nashville, Tenn.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, a brother and sister-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be send to the family at: 270 McMillan Ct, Martinsburg, WV 25404-6321.