Amalia Elise Vernon Pugh passed away quietly in her sleep, November 9, 2020, in Winter Haven, Florida. She was born February 9, 1924, in Columbia SC. She is survived by her four Children; Margaret Pugh of Winter Haven, FL Georganne Williams of Lawrenceville, GA, David Pugh of Milton, FL, and Kathlyn Filipovich of Gaffney SC; seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Amalia, Or "Maisie" to all who knew her, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, May 26, 1944 as one of the first Women Marines, whose motto was "Free Man To Fight", and was Honorably Discharged October 8, 1945 with the rank of Sergeant.

She resided in Beaufort, SC for 30 years with her husband George Pugh, raised her children there and always considered it home. She was a member of Carteret Street Methodist Church, active as a Sunday School Teacher, and drove the county bookmobile.

She loved to travel, lived in Germany and Iran, toured both Europe and the Middle East, was an avid bird and whale-watcher, and loved to read. She retired to Florida to be near her daughter after the death of her husband.

A viewing will be held at Serenity Meadows, Riverview, FL after which she will be laid to rest in Beaufort National Cemetery, alongside her husband, MSGT George L. Pugh, with military honors.