Pamela J. Whitten

Pamela (Pam) Jean Johnson Whitten, our beloved wife, mother, MeMe and friend left this earthly life on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at the age of 65. Pam loved her family, friends and each one of her 19 grandchildren. Pam had an uncanny ability to make even the strangest of strangers feel welcomed and loved in her presence whether inside her home or in public while watching a grandchild play ball at a new ball field or perform at a school play. She loved socializing with anyone who was ready for a good time often hosting dinner parties for those new to the area where she lived to welcome them. Pam was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and she found joy in serving and teaching others as shown by her countless years teaching youth in seminary and young women, young adults in institute, and women within the Relief Society. She was a proud Southern woman who made sure her heritage was passed down through humorous and compelling story-telling with her children and grandchildren.

Pam was born on April 4, 1949, to Elizabeth and Alvin Johnson in Camp Lejeune, NC. Daughter of a proud Marine, she was raised in Beaufort, SC. She married her best friend, Robert (Bob) Gravely Whitten, on January 12, 1968 in Atlanta, GA. On August 25, 1977, the two were married for time and eternity in the Washington, D.C. LDS Temple and sealed to their children. Pam and Bob were married for more than 46 years and lived in Charlotte for 15-plus years before spending her last 11 years in Pulaski, VA.

Pam balanced life for her family as a stay-at-home Mom of four boys and one girl as her family moved from place to place (8 states in all) as Bob worked his way up the corporate ladder. With each stop along the way, everyone quickly knew her love of the North Carolina Tar Heels. She spent her weeknights and Saturdays on the ball field going from one child’s game to the others. She loved music and instilled that in her children who played instruments and sang in choirs throughout high school and beyond. She loved to shop with anyone willing to do so at the fine stores, drug store or local flea markets. She was quick to offer advice in all areas including home decorating, cooking, child rearing or any general-life problem one was having. Pam often expressed that one of her greatest blessings was that stay-at-home moms were raising her grandchildren because she knew the power of them being raised in the home. She tirelessly traveled across the country to support her grandchildren in whatever activity they were involved. She made each grandchild know he or she was her favorite.

Pam is survived by husband Bob; children, Kevin (Allison) Whitten, Rob (Linda) Whitten, Adam (Kristen) Whitten, Ryan (Jessica) Whitten and Leslie (Matt) Call; and her cherished 19 grandchildren: Kevin, Zachary, Madison, Jett, Mitchell, Weston, Miller, Jackson, Carter, Clive, Berkeley, Van, Emylee, Marlee, Dean, Mia, Zane, Jordan and Nikki (Pam was prepared to welcome her 20th grandchild in July); two dogs – Sam and Chip; and sister Betty Montgomery. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Barbara, who came to welcome her on the other side of earth’s veil.

Pam, we will remember all that you taught us and we will keep your memory alive. We know the love that you had for each one of us. Likewise, we love you. Until we meet again, our treasured wife, Mom and MeMe.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 8th from 7 pm - 9 pm at McEwen Funeral Home, 10500 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC with a Funeral Service on Monday, June 9th at 10 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5897 Hemby Rd, Weddington, NC 28104. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online at http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/inmemoriam or via mail to the LDS Missionary Fund, 50 East N. Temple, SLC, Utah 84150.