Pamela Henderson Mathis

March 31, 2013

Pamela Henderson Mathis, 62, of Century, passed away at 5 p.m. on March 28, 2013, at her home in Century surrounded by her family.

Pamela was born in Atmore on June 18, 1950, to Vivian “Red” Henderson and Annie Mae Henderson. She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 42 years, James “Dooley” Mathis, her daughter Pamela (Bob) Evans, her sister Sue (Wayne) Johnson, and brother Tommy Henderson.

She was a lifelong resident of Century and graduated from Century High School in 1968. Despite a disability caused by childhood polio, she went on to become an educator for 32 years, earn a master’s degree in history and a specialist degree in education. She was the first teacher in Escambia Countyto earn a National Teaching Certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. She retired from education as principal of Ernest Ward Middle School.

She loved showing and riding horses, traveling with her daughter to rodeos, fishing, watching movies, and taking trips with her family, and her best friend “Joy”. In the final chapter of her life, she was comforted by her dear Jack Russell terrier, “Bailey”.

Pamela is preceded in death by her parents, “Red” and Annie Mae Henderson, her brother Robert “Bobby” Henderson and Don Henderson.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life on April 5th, 2013. at 6 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.

Comments

5 Responses to “Pamela Henderson Mathis”

  1. Gene Scott on April 4th, 2013 10:16 am

    Pam was a friend to me and my wife Rose,
    Pam was down to earth,and always had a kind word for anyone..
    Pam always spoke to me as if i was a friend to her she had
    known her whole life…Pam spoke highly of her Daughter always
    referred to her as her beautiful angel……Pam always would keep us
    informed of ” Dooleys ” fishing expeditions,she would keep us in sticthes
    with all his mishaps during his trips,she said she always looked forward
    to thier trips together..One would never know that Pam was afflicted with
    a disability,she never played the poor me victim,she was always encouraging
    to others,she would always put others before her own welfare….Rose and I,
    will miss her deeply….Jason Roses son adds she was always kind and
    patient with him,and would always wecome him back to go fishing in
    thier catfish pond,he says she was a ” Cool Lady “……..I agree…..I believe that
    Pam is in a good place,and she is proud of everyone who continue to Honor
    her life,she would want everyone to celebrate her life,and go on with thier lives,
    she is happy now,and my guess is that she does not want great sadness to
    get in the way of her memory……

  2. Cindy Criswell on April 1st, 2013 9:05 pm

    Sorry for your lost, but we find peace knowing she is now at peace and in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior. Pam was so beautiful inward and outward. May God bless your family.

  3. Sandra Harwood on April 1st, 2013 8:59 am

    Pam was responsible for my becoming a National Board Certified teacher, She was the first one to encourage me to go into administration and was both a cheerleader and mentor along my journey. I admired her for so many things: her exuberance, her patience, her strength of character, her knowledge and her willingness to help everyone. She will always be special to me. My deepest condolences to her family and all those who loved her and will miss her.

  4. Fonda Thomas on April 1st, 2013 8:29 am

    My sincere condolences for Mrs. Mathis’s family. I remember her well from Warrington Middle School. Pam Mathis was a professional, but she was also personable and friendly to staff and students. She was an advocate for the students with special needs and was always willing to support me in finding more and better materials for my students. She will be fondly remembered by many for years to come.

  5. Sadie C. Knight on April 1st, 2013 6:33 am

    Mrs. Mathis, as I called her at Warrington Middle, was a friendly yet professional person who made the job of teaching and the work place tolerable. Pam’s smiling face and her willingness to help me do my job never ended. Memories of her and her love of life will be remembered.