Pamela Nero

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Pamela Yvonne Nero, age 59, of Joplin, MO, went to be the Lord on June 18th, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Pamela was born on April 3, 1966, in Peoria, IL, to her parents Dillard and Marian (Poindexter) Brown. She married Samuel Nero on March 21, 2003, in Independence, MO, and he stayed faithfully by her side until her departure.

A woman of faith amidst the cold and disfunction, she knew her Creator and what He was capable of. This unwavering trust fueled and solidified the courage she walked in day-to-day life.

Despite losing her mother at the devastating age of six years old, her role as The Matriarch transcended expectations--the evidence of such shown in her family here today. She was a single mother of three by the age of 26. By 37, she was a new bride, stepmother and a new grandmother. Despite the uncertainty in these heavy trials, she chose to embrace the journey and trust that she, along with her husband, Samuel, could make this a fruitful beginning. Together, they blossomed this little bud of hope into a steady tribe. How lucky she was to see the reward in their resilience.

She was youthful and jovial, always up for a good time with the people she loved. Even as she aged, that never faltered. She embraced the younger generations and was a guiding light for the youth of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church from the moment she met them. She saw their potential and wanted nothing more than to nurture it and watch them flourish. The education of the youth was a priority to her, yet her work for the Lord did not end there.

Her dedication to serving the Lord was one thing that could not be questioned. She was the Southwest District Association Youth Director Mission President, Vacation Bible School Director and rebuilder, founder of the Exie B. Fields Mother’s Day Luncheon, Shiloh Youth Director, 2007-2015, and founder of the Falling for Jesus Fall Festival. Needless say, where her heart was, her fire was. And that fire stayed ten toes down for Him, always.
Her final years, her strongest years—the call from God was soon. Even in her declining state, it was her family and their wellbeing on her mind until the very end. The morning of June 18 th , in the notes and the tones of the choir, she was risen, and she was light. No more dark, no more night. Only Better Days.

A natural leader, a curious navigator, and an ultrapowerful sense of discernment, she walked this life with a heart full of ambition, strength, and love. Her effervescent spirit lives on in the Sun, in the Moon, in the stars, and in our hearts for the rest of time. Amen.

She is survived by her loving husband; five children, Kenric Brown (Jasmine), Mikesia Holder (Richard Holder Jr.), Samuel Nero III, Sia Porter( Charles), and Marian Gray; eighteen grandchildren, Auria Brown, Montaeviah Montgomery, Auna Gilmore, Kyasia Brown, Austyn Blackmon, Ky’Mane Brown, Kny’Jae Brown, Heaven Brown, Aubryn Holder, Autumn Holder, Carter Lovejoy, Kumaris Brown, Ky’Mani Brown, Kny’Dre Brown, Juelz Porter, Bella Porter, Cameron Porter and Cruz Porter; one great grandchild, Trevon Amier Ware.

To remember and celebrate the life of Pamela, a visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday, June 27th at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. A Homegoing Celebration we will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Villa Heights Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the National Kidney Foundation or to Shiloh Baptist Church in care of the mortuary.