(From Parker Mortuary)Pamela Kay Smith passed away unexpectedly at home Thursday, March 10th. She was born November 26th, 1957 to Virgie and Wilman “Gene” Smith in Hutchinson, Kansas. She spent her younger years between Hutchinson and Joplin. Where her and her older brother and best friend lived their childhood like Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer.
She graduated from Parkwood High School in 1976 here in Joplin, where she was mentored by her favorite teacher Juanita Henry in her favorite class: Mark Twain.
During her life she worked for several local factories including Midcon Cable, Lebarge, and Pillsbury. In the early 90’s Pam moved to Amarillo, TX to help her aunt and uncle run V&M Liquor. In 2003, she started her career at Walmart as a dare, and that dare lead to a career for her of 18 years. In 2011, she moved back to the Joplin area to be near her brother and family. She transferred to the Miami, Oklahoma store and then transferred to the Neighborhood Market at Stones Corner where she continued working as the Deli Department Manager.
Pam loved spoiling her nieces and nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great-great nephews. She enjoyed spending time on Lake Taneycomo trout fishing with her family and playing softball in a few local leagues with her sister-in-law. She enjoyed going to movies, country concerts and spending time with her family playing cards and games. Pam was a member of the Joplin Moose Lodge where she enjoyed playing bingo and met her lifelong friend Pattie Jo.
Pam was preceded in death by her mother and step-father Virgie and Clarence Danley, her father Wilman “Gene” Smith, her nephew Jeremy Doty, and her older brother Steve Smith.
Pam is survived by her sister-in-law and best friend Jane Smith, nieces Tammy (George) Bevins, Stephanie (Dave) Stapleton all of Joplin. Stepmom Joy Smith of Belleville, Kansas, and other siblings Debbie, Rona, Shawna, Rita, and Ed. Also surviving are 5 great nieces, 2 great nephews, and 2 great-great nephews. Pam will be remembered for her loving fun spirited heart. She enjoyed life and loved her family.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Joplin Humane Society.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel with Bill Hackworth officiating. Interment will follow at Union Chapel Cemetery.
Pam was not only a great boss person but I considered her one of my good friends. She was a sweet kind loving
ReplyDeleteAnd there was nothing more important to her than her family & her BFF Pattie . She would bend over backwards to help anyone in need .
Pam I will always remember you as one of my dearest friends.
Fly high Pammy love ya girl.