Pam Stephenson's Obituary
Pamela Hartsell "Pam" Stephenson, 82, of Davidson, NC, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2018 at the Hospice House of Huntersville, surrounded by her loving family. Pam was born February 17, 1936 in Concord, NC to the late Martha and Bill Hartsell.
Pam graduated from Concord High School in 1954 and then attended Meredith College. In 1956, she married her N.C. State sweetheart, Bob Stephenson, of Raleigh. During the early years of marriage, Pam worked in the personnel department at Belk Department Stores and then, upon moving to Davidson in 1966, spent many years at Davidson College working in a number of departments, including the on-campus bookstore and theatre department. Pam also served as a wedding coordinator at Davidson College Presbyterian Church for many years.
Pam was involved in numerous community and charitable endeavors over the years, both in Charlotte and in Davidson. In Charlotte, she was active in the Junior Women’s League and served as a volunteer at Charlotte Memorial Hospital. Life in Davidson afforded Pam even more opportunities to make a true difference in the lives of others. She devoted countless hours to the Children’s Drama Workshop, WDAV-FM, Davidson College, Davidson College Presbyterian Church, The Pines, and the Powder Horn Mountain community outside Boone. Her greatest passion was the Davidson Community Players, of which Pam served as its first Executive Director. She worked tirelessly to develop the Community Players from its infancy into a highly respected regional theatre group.
Pam loved her family, her friends, and strangers alike. On many occasions, college students with no place to go on weekends or holidays were welcomed in Pam’s home, especially international students for whom the Stephenson’s often served as a host family. Pam loved preparing delicious meals for her family, and there was always room at the table for one or two more.
Pam was an immensely talented, creative person. She loved to write poetry and prose, sing, sketch, play the piano, dance, act, and serve as family photographer. Pam often utilized these gifts in her volunteer work.
Survivors include daughters, Elise Shoe and husband Dwight "Hardy" of Mooresville, Leslie Matz and husband Chris of Denver, NC, son, Robert Matthew "Matt" Stephenson and wife Stephanie of Davidson, five grandchildren, one great grandchild, and five nieces and nephews. Pam was preceded in death by her dear husband, Bob, her parents, her third-born daughter, Martha, and her sister, Madeline.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Lake Norman or to a charity of your choice. The family would like to express special thanks to the nursing staffs at Autumn Care and the Hospice House, in particular nurse Monica Bratcher, for their loving care of Pam. A memorial service celebrating Pam's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 28th in the chapel at Davidson College Presbyterian Church.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
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