Pamela Walker

Pamela Walker was a kind and compassionate woman who lived her life with others in mind. Even as she was under hospice care during the sunset of her life, Pamela kept asking those around her if they needed anything. She was a woman of faith who treasured the relationship she shared with her Lord and Savior, and her life was a shining reflection of a woman after Gods own heart. Family was of great significance in Pamelas life from her earliest years, and nothing brought her more joy than spoiling her nieces and nephews. She leaves behind a colorful tapestry of memories that will be forever held near and dear to the hearts of those whose lives she touched. The sixties were a volitile time in our nations history as we were divided over our involvement in the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement continued to heat up as well. It was in 1968 that Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, the music scene was dominated by The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis was dedicated. It was also during this year that a beautiful baby girl named Pamela Yvette Walker was born on October 4th. Born at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan, Pamela was welcomed by her mother, Shelia Walker, and her maternal grandmother. Her father, McKinley Copeland, would come into Pamelas life much later. When Pamelas mother and grandmother took this new bundle of joy home, she was the baby of their unit and was loved and spoiled by everyone there. Pamela also known as "Pookie" brought new hope into the lives of her mother and grandmother as she was named after her Aunt Pamela who drowned just shortly before her birth. Pamela was raised in Muskegon Heights and since she lived with both her mother and grandmother, they formed close bonds and meaningful relationships with one another. When Pamelas brother Brandon was born, there was simply more love to go around. She attended Martin Luther King Elementary and went on to Muskegon Heights High School where she played the clarinet in the band. Pamela graduated from high school in 1986. Family always played an important role in Pamelas life. She regularly spent time with not only her mother, grandmother, and brother, but also with aunts, uncles, and her honorary grandmother, Mrs. Evelyn Hobson. On one occasion, she took a trip to Disney World with her family and although she enjoyed it, she much preferred to be at home with her family. When Pamela met her father later in life, she was delighted to learn that she had another brother, Marquis, and a sister, Mikkea. She loved spending time with her father and sister and even though she never met her new brother in person, she frequently talked with him on the phone. Pamela never had any children of her own, but she took every opportunity to spoil her nieces and nephews. She loved spending time with them, sometimes taking them to school or picking them up from school and at other times, taking them out to eat. Throughout her life, Pamela was a hard worker. She worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken on Apple Avenue, at Howmet for a short time, and then worked a few other odd jobs, too. Pamela found her true passion, however, within the medical field. She earned a degree as a nursing assistant and then served in the healthcare industry throughout the majority of her life including many years for Harbor Hospice. Pamela loved her work and provided compassionate care for countless patients through the years. Finally in 2009, her declining health no longer allowed Pamela to work. In addition to her family, faith played a vital role in Pamelas life. She possessed a deep and vibrant faith and never shied away from sharing with others the joy that was in her heart. Pamela loved talking about her Lord and Savior and the virtue of a Godly woman. She attended Great Lakes Kingdom and then New Jerusalem Baptist Church, and she greatly enjoyed both services and Bible studies. It was Pamelas steadfast faith that sustained her through the days following the death of both her father and grandmother. As her mother was in failing health, Pamela tenderly cared for her until her death. Although she was deeply saddened with the death of her mother, Pamela found great comfort in the arms of her heavenly Father. There were so many things that made Pamela such a unique woman. If you were a friend of Pamelas you were a friend for life, and she was always accompanied by a warm and positive attitude. She never liked people to fuss over her, instead, she was always fussing over others. Even when she was under hospice care, Pamela kept asking those around her if they were alright or if they needed anything. Pamela loved going shopping and out to eat, especially at Flamingos and Rositas Tacos. The Bible Pamela Walker deeply cherished often speaks of what a virtuous woman looks like, and she used this description as a model for her life. She was kind, loving, and positive, even when the storms of life blew her way. Pamela treasured her family and considered the people in her life to be her greatest gift. She will be dearly missed by many. Pamela Yvette Walker died on September 22, 2010. Pamelas family includes her two brothers, Brandon L. (Nicole Blachshire) Walker and Marquis J. Scott; sister, Mikkea T. Copeland; 4 aunts, Marilyn J. Booker, Carolyn J. Walker, Sandra K. Edwards, and Jackie Copeland-Steele; 6 uncles, Willie & Aundre Walker, Jimmie Jamerson, Kenneth R. & Bruce Copeland, Myonbe Thomas; two nephews, Brandon L. Jr. & Davion A. Walker; 1 niece, Jazzaniah J. Walker; honorary niece & nephew, Dejarion D. Blackshire, Gloria M. Grisham; special aunt, Mrs. Leola (Edward) St. Cyr; honorary grandmother, Mrs. Evelyn Hobson; a host of cousins and friends too numerous to mention. Pamela was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 6:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. John H. Barnes officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Harbor Hospice or Hope Lodge in Grand Rapids.