Entering the world on May 5, 1961, in Rolling Fork, Miss., Pam was the second of three children born to William Edwin Cole Sr. and Emma Lee Renfroe Pharr.

Pam attended Rolling Fork High School, where she distinguished herself academically, and often reminisced of the time she spent as a teen working at Chuck's Dairy Bar. As a young adult, she relocated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where her vivacious spirit, striking beauty and magnetic personality quickly drew people to her. Pam never met a stranger and friendships came easily to her, but it was her loyalty, depth of compassion and steady presence that kept those friendships lasting.

In 1984, Pam welcomed her only child, Lindsay Nicole, often joking that she "got it right the first time, so there was no need to do it again." In 1989, she married Lindsay's father, Richard W. Hamilton, who loved Pam with fierce devotion until the day he died. With her family complete, Pam set her sights on another lifelong dream: earning a college degree.

After receiving scholarships, Pam graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Education, finishing summa cum laude, with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She began her career in education at Pascagoula Junior High teaching English and History, before moving to the Pascagoula Opportunity Center, which she helped to establish and grow. From assigning students to write rap songs about Shakespeare to bringing history to life, Pam was a gifted and creative educator who encouraged students to explore literature that spoke to what they were going through. Her impact endured far beyond the classroom, as former students often sought her out years later to share their successes, gratitude and appreciation.

Driven by a deep desire to guide and advocate for young people, Pam returned to USM to earn her Master of Education in Educational Administration, again graduating with distinction. This allowed her to transition into counseling and, eventually, administration, where she could have a greater impact. She moved on to serve students at Moss Point High School, where her compassion, wisdom and unshaken belief in their potential helped shape many futures. After retiring in 2005 due to medical issues, Pam took immense pride in watching her former students define success on their own terms.

With a lifelong love of sunshine, Pam was happiest poolside and could be found there whenever the opportunity arose. She took great pride in her home and vehicles, often redecorating and upgrading with such enthusiasm that friends joked they could hardly keep up. Fiercely passionate about the causes she believed in, Pam was never one to shy away from a spirited debate. In retirement, she poured that same energy into giving back to others. Renowned for her remarkable couponing skills, she regularly made large, generous donations of toiletries, clothing, household items and other essentials to domestic violence shelters and anyone she found in need. Additionally, through her membership in the Pascagoula Elks Lodge, Pam found deep purpose in volunteer service and community involvement.

Above all else, Pam's heart belonged to her grandsons, Coleton Richard and Nathan William, who were undeniably the light of her life. Becoming their Grandma revealed a tenderness and joy in her unlike anything she had ever experienced. That love and warmth was extended to their many friends who spent time at her house. Whether she was feeding them, sneaking them cash, enforcing consequences (while hiding the offense from mom and dad) or cheering them on through every stage of life, her love for those kids knew no limit.

If you ever had the good fortune of meeting Pam, you instantly knew how unforgettable of a presence she had. She commanded rooms with her radiant smile, infectious laugh, quick wit and unmistakable confidence. She was highly intelligent, unapologetically opinionated and endlessly loving (as long as you were on her good side). Her green eyes sparkled with mischief, and her warmth made people feel seen and valued. Words cannot fully capture how deeply she will be missed or how heartbroken her family is at this devastating, sudden loss.


Pam was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harry and Beatrice Cole; father William Edwin Cole Sr.; stepfather Roy Pharr; and her beloved husband Richard W. Hamilton.

She is survived by her mother Emma Lee Pharr; daughter Lindsay (James) Knowles; grandsons Coleton Knowles (Kylie Jacobs) and Nathan Knowles; brothers Eddie (Angel) Cole and David Lovett; sister Nan Ramsey; nieces Allison Stubblefield and Lacie Cole; nephew Justin Cole; her many Cole cousins who she loved and cherished deeply; her beloved "other daughter" Sara (Chris) Hollis and their children Olivia and Logan; the countless "kids" who lovingly called her "Mom" or "Grandma"; several very dear friends who shared decades of laughter and memories; and her devoted companion until the very end, her Siberian Husky, Samson.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Pam's honorary grandsons: Daniel Cartwright, Hadrain Smith and Cameron Taylor.

A memorial service celebrating Pam's life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Holder-Wells Funeral Home, located at 4007 Main Street in Moss Point, Miss. The family will accept condolences beginning at 12 p.m., with the service immediately following at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Friends are invited to join the family afterward at the Jazz Club in downtown Pascagoula for a Celebration of Life to share memories and stories of Pam.

Pam will be cremated and laid to rest with her late husband Richard at Macphelah Cemetery in Pascagoula at a later date. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered compassion, support and condolences during this difficult time, with special thanks to the friends who loved and cared for Pam, as well as Holder Wells Funeral Home, Jazz Club and Roy's Neighborhood Bar.