Pamela Jean Ramsey's Obituary
Pamela Ramsey was born on April 7, 1954, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Napoleon and Dorothy Ramsey. Pamela accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of First Missionary Baptist Church of Avondale, where she faithfully served on many committees and boards. Her faith was an important part of her life and guided her dedication to helping others and serving her community.
Pamela grew up in the Alton Park community of Chattanooga, where she formed many lifelong friendships. Some of her close childhood friends included Debra Craig, Joan, and Vickie. Pamela had a warm and welcoming spirit—she could strike up a conversation with anyone and had a gift for making people feel comfortable and valued.
She was a proud graduate of Howard High School, Class of 1972. Pamela continued her education at Clark Atlanta University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work in 1976. While attending Clark Atlanta, she formed lifelong friendships with a special group of women affectionately known as the “F Troop.” It was also during her time in Atlanta that she met her long-time friend, Grace. These friendships remained dear to her throughout her life.
After completing her education, Pamela returned to Chattanooga to begin a career devoted to serving others. She first worked at Cedar Hill Head Start, helping to support and uplift young children and their families. She later served as Program Director at The Bethlehem Center, where she received numerous accolades for her leadership and dedication to the community.
In 1986, Pamela began working for the State of Tennessee in the Department of Children’s Services (DCS), where she faithfully served for more than 25 years before retiring. During her tenure, she touched the lives of countless children and families and developed many close friendships with her colleagues. While working for the state, she met Jackie Thomas, who later became the godmother of her beloved and dearly missed daughter, LaShanda Ramsey Bowens.
Pamela was known for her radiant spirit and joyful personality. She had a smile that matched her heart and could light up any room. Her presence made every gathering more special, and she was truly the life of the party. She loved spending time with family and friends, traveling, and going out to eat, often turning simple moments into cherished memories.
Pamela deeply loved her family and took great pride in helping organize many Hicks and Ramsey family reunions, bringing relatives together to celebrate their heritage and strengthen family bonds. She also cherished her Howard High School classmates and looked forward to attending class reunions where she could reconnect, laugh, and reminisce.
Pamela was preceded in death by her father, Napoleon Ramsey; mother, Dorothy Ramsey; daughter, LaShanda Ramsey Bowens; beloved dog, Star Ramsey; sister, Myra Ramsey; brother, Timothy Ramsey; grandfathers, William Horace Hicks and Henry Ramsey; and grandmothers, Carrie Hicks and Beauty Bell Moore.
Pamela departed this life on February 27, 2026. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her sister, Gloria Ramsey of Chattanooga, Tennessee; nieces and nephews, TaMyra (Curtis) Worthy and Erik Drake, both of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Timothy Ramsey of Montgomery, Alabama, and Jemichel Knight of Atlanta, Georgia; great-nieces, Trinity Worthy, Time Worthy, and Ciyanah Worthy of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Chloe Ramsey of Houston, Texas, and Samiah Ramsey of Montgomery, Alabama; great-nephews, Tristan Ramsey, Trace Ramsey, and Curtis Worthy, all of Chattanooga, Tennessee; son-in-love, Marlon Bowens; sister-in-love, Deborah Martin of Chattanooga, Tennessee; god-nieces, Saranda Ramsey of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Nola, Zuri, and China (Dee) McCartherens of Mableton, Georgia, and Jessica Thomas of Atlanta, Georgia; god-nephews, JonMontae Wickley and Nieagell Sturkey of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Montreal Mitchell of Phoenix, Arizona; uncles, Michael (Peggie) Hicks of St. Paul, Minnesota, Nathaniel (Connie) Ramsey of Ablett, Virginia, Robert (Beverly) Ramsey of Euclid, Ohio, and Ronald Ramsey of Man, West Virginia; uncle-in-law, Richard Moon of Chattanooga, Tennessee; aunts, Estella Johnson, Cynthia Pigram, Frances (Roger) Terry, and Judy Murrell, along with aunts-in-law, Valerie Penn Hicks and Alton Hicks of Chattanooga; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.
Pamela will forever be remembered for her kindness, joyful spirit, and the love she shared with everyone she met. Her smile matched her heart, and both will be remembered always.
Pamela will lie-in-state on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 12:30 - 5:00 P.M. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Taylor Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Vincent Dixon as Eulogist. Burial in Highland Memorial Gardens.
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