"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Pamela D. Howard, a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, entered eternal rest on June 22, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family. Pamela lived a life marked by kindness, compassion, strength and devotion to those she loved the most.

Pamela was a woman of faith, having been baptized at an early age at Third Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Willie Dickerson. In recent years, she worshipped at the Mount Olivet Baptist Church.

Pamela was known for her caring spirit, warm heart and willingness to help others. She touched the lives of many through her kindness, compassion and unwavering support whether offering words of encouragement, sharing her infectious smile and sense of humor or simply being present for those she loved. Pam made everyone around her feel special.

Above all, Pam's greatest joy was her only daughter, Shante who she loved unconditionally, her love extended to her precious grandchildren, Devonne and Avahia who brought endless happiness to her life. She treasured every moment spent with them and created memories that will live on in their hearts forever.

Those who know Pamela will remember her as a sweet and kind person with a generous heart. She gave freely of herself and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Most notably, Pamela lovingly provided transportation for both her devoted mother, Dorothy Foster Smith, and uncle, Ronnie Howard. Her thoughtfulness, care, and steady presence were a blessing to her family and to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Pamela was a proud graduate of Petersburg High School, Class of 1986.  She had a very strong work ethic. Throughout her life, she was gainfully employed and held a variety of positions (sometimes working two jobs simultaneously) with area home health care agencies and medical facilities, Hiram Davis Medical Center, Vibra Hospital, Encompass Health Rehabilitation and Johnston-Willis Hospital.

Pamela's passing has deeply touched the hearts of her immediate family and friends. She will be sorely missed, yet lovingly remembered for the warmth she shared, the help she offered, and the love she gave so freely. She was preceded in death by her father, Jessie Foster and stepfather, Franklin R. Smith; maternal grandparents, William and Helen Howard; and paternal grandparents Herbert and Bessie Mayfield.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted daughter, Shante Howard (Jawara); grandchildren, Devonne Boyd and Avahia Brown; mother, Dorothy Foster Smith; sisters, Cheryl Howard Harris (Shawn), Shawn Foster McCurdy (Antoine) and Lisa M. Scott (Leon); brother, Lezlie Avery; bonus sister and brother, Shameka Bonner and Lonnie Bonner, Jr.; aunts, Ramona Jacobs, Annette Howard Jones (George), Patricia Newsom, Wanda Howard, and Elnora Howard; uncles, Randolph Howard, Ronnie Howard, and Linwood Jones; bonus aunts and uncles, Lillian Crawley, Lucille Blackwell (Howard), Jean Perkins, Brenda Smith, and Thomas Smith (Mary Sue); nieces, Sierra Harris and Aaliyah McCurdy; nephews, TaQuan Curry Foster, Terrence Curry, Brian Scott and Justin Scott; great niece, Maiyah Curry Foster; god-daughter, Shawnina Hicks; several cousins, one like a sister, Juanita Howard; and many friends and coworkers most notably Kenneth Morgan, Candice Hall and Toney Clanton.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Herbert Holly II, Senior Pastor, eulogist and Rev. Dr. Kassandra Bullock, officiating. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6044238?fl=so&fe=fs