Pamela Lorraine Whitt Schmid

Pam Whitt Schmid passed away at her home surrounded by loved ones on May 19, 2016 at the age of 58. She was a true southern girl, born in Greensboro, NC on December 3, 1957. Pam is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 35 years, Jerry; two devoted sons, Dustin, Jeremy and his wife, Caroline; and her two cherished grandchildren, Austin and Madeleine. Also surviving are her parents, Phillip and Patricia Whitt of Cary; two brothers, Phil Whitt of Garner and wife Kathy and Paul Whitt of Louisville, KY and wife Tina; her only sister, Patricia Whitt Davis of Apex and husband Tully; and five nieces and nephews: Sydney, Ashlynn, Tullis, Jacob and Jordan. Pam’s tendency for curiosity and learning was evident through her education as she attended and studied at several institutions, including Palm Beach Atlantic College in West Palm Beach, FL, University of North Carolina at Charlotte and, lastly, at the University of Texas at Austin where she received her B.S. in Education and where she met her sweet Jerry. She had a deep passion for helping others and was able to serve many people through different careers throughout her life. She spent time as a special education teacher, YMCA director, a drug treatment specialist and was a founding faculty member of the Wellcoaches Corporation. After Pam was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, her passion only deepened. She spent much of the last 12 years helping other cancer patients through awareness and education, even publishing a book on breast cancer as well as establishing the first website dedicated to breast density. As a founding member of the Duke Hospital Patient Advocacy Council, Pam received the Jonquils Award in 2005, which is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fight against cancer. By far, though, Pam considered being a wife and mother as her most important jobs. Her family was indeed her life and nothing brought her greater joy than sitting outside on her wraparound porch surrounded by the ones she loved. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, May 23 at 2007 Crooked Creek in Clayton at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Navigate Cancer Foundation (navigatecancerfoundation.org). Condolences may be made to www.McLaurinatpinecrest.com Arrangements by McLaurin Funeral Home