Pamela Moore
Pamela Jean (Graham) Moore, 68 of Nashport, OH, has taken her last labored breath. As of August 18, 2024, no more hospital stays, no more ICU beds, no more oxygen tanks, no more ER waits, no more “differing opinions,” no more blown IV bruises, no more medical-rap-sheets, no more insurance claims. Instead, Pam has received her ultimate reward: peace.
After three months of nearly constant hospital stays, the news was finally delivered to simply enjoy what remained. Pam was brought home under hospice care to her clothes and her bed, to her familiarity and her life. She was surrounded for four days by her loved ones. Words of comfort hung in the air; laughter filled the room. With love permeating her entire being, she slipped into the Hereafter.
That may be the end, but it certainly does not tell the whole story. It is not a story about weakness or sickness or frailty. Sure, they get the last chapter, but The Story of Pamela Moore is one of strength and victory! She may have been comically short, but, in many ways, she was larger than life!
The world changed on February 27, 1956, in Belmont, OH, with the birth of little ole’ Pamela Jean. It may not have made world news (stinking Elvis hogged it all), but that simple fact will continue to create ripples of repercussion forever. Mark my words.
After a tumultuous beginning, Pam’s story takes a marked turn toward love and acceptance at the Graham Homestead in Coshocton, OH. There lived a family in need of a little girl. Enter parents George and Elma Graham. Enter older brother Don. Pamela Jean was home!
She was now the daughter of a farmer and took off in those open spaces. She learned endurance at the feet of her father. She learned resiliency at the hem of her mother. She learned strength at the example of her brother. It was the makings of a classic American story in the 1950’s and 60’s.
The 70’s brought adventure, affiliations, and aspirations. She stretched her little wings and truly took off. From learning to drive on those country dirt roads to leaving home for college in Iowa to starting her first job in the big city, it was a chapter of firsts- and-lasts. Like everyone at some point: the world begins to open-up. Pam got a taste of the diversity, the excitement, the energy. She found ways to work like her father – she discovered hidden-reserves to persist like her mother – she unearthed might and force like her brother. Watch out world – there is a storm taking shape!
The next chapter is one of love manifold. Pam met and fell in love with the blue-eyed, quiet Robert Moore of Perry County, OH; his steadiness and strength recalling all those ideals she loved so much growing up. Their union became official on May 2, 1981. Pamela became a mother four times (and heard the joke, “You know how that happens, don’t ya?” four million times, I’m sure), each time full of pure excitement and joy! Amanda came first, inheriting Pam’s incredible strength. Vanessa came second, inheriting Pam’s immense tenderness and heart. Andrew came third, inheriting Pam’s indelible humor and outlook. Emily came last, inheriting Pam’s earnestness and resolve.
She flourished in her new roles as wife and mother, finding love to carry her through each new experience.
Pam discovered her heart for people continued to expand. She loved being at home, cherishing each moment of growth and change. She loved being at work, building up her colleagues and helping through hard work. She loved being at church, fanning the flames of others and sharing a common goal. If she could simply share a space with someone, she could find the meaning in any moment. She had that indescribable talent of making anyone feel loved…of making anyone feel truly listened to and cared about.
As the years passed, the love continued to enlarge. She became the Queen of church camp at Camp Hervida in Waterford, OH. She found freedom in those sticky, summer days counseling teenagers from a place of sheer sincerity. She was the Norval Park Church of Christ reigning champ at Chubby Bunny; if you don’t know what that is, consider yourself lucky. It is a medieval competition to see who can stuff as many jumbo marshmallows in their mouth and still intelligibly say the words “chubby bunny.” Well…Pam had a gift, what can I say? The kicker is: she didn’t even like marshmallows! She would continually and consistently go the extra mile to make someone’s day, to brighten their spirit, to show them affection.
The bulk of Pam’s Story is here: new ways to love. With every new chapter came a new way for her to love. Whether it be at work or through retirement – in peaceful moments at home with Bobby or on vacations with the kids – parties in the Bethesda stockroom or sitting at one of the never-ending sporting events/practices/performances – if she had an opportunity to love, she would take it. Heck, not just take it…she would DEVOUR it! If you needed her, if you looked for her, she was there. A hurricane wouldn’t stop her from celebrating with someone she loved.
As the chapters wound down, health became a barrier. Although limits were placed on her that tested that deep-seated-resilience, her love remained effortless and free-to-all. She took to the role of Grandma/Mamaw with absolute delight. She honored each grandchild with a relationship so singular and special. She showered everyone with
gifts (almost flooded, honestly); her Christmas exploits will enter into American Folklore. She had a smile locked-and-loaded for every visitor. If a chair is where she must sit, then the phone became her weapon to reach that love to the world. There was no stopping that love from pouring forth.
Pam was many things: an avid armchair sports fan, a lover of beauty (and, yes, coloring books count), an insatiable adventurer, a devout country music hater…but Kenny Rogers was just too beautiful to hate, a fiercely loyal friend, a steel-trap of memory and recollection, a faithful Christian. Most of all, she was love. If there ever has been someone to wear that badge, it would be Pamela Moore.
She will always be our Mountain-Momma.
Behind she leaves her husband “Bobby,” her four children (Amanda, Vanessa, Andrew, and Emily), her brother Don, a score of grandchildren, a growing number of great-grandchildren, and an infinite amount of wonderful and vivid memories for those that she so graciously loved. She will be buried in the Frazeysburg Cemetery, joining her father and mother and brother (Myron) who can’t wait to see that smile again!
“A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved” (Kurt Vonnegut). You lived it, Momma! Rest in your beloved peace.
You may call on the family on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Burrell Funeral Services, 414 LaSalle St. Zanesville Ohio, 43701, with funeral services starting at 1 p.m. Burial will take place in Frazeysburg Cemetery following the funeral service. BURRELL FUNERAL SERVICES is serving the family.
