Pamela Jane Smith, 65, of Bellefonte, passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College surrounded by her family. Born on March 28, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Elmer R. and Esther (Poorman) Smith.

Pamela was a 1971 graduate of Bellefonte High School. In 1989, she completed Local Pastor’s School through the Central PA Conference of the United Methodist Church. She continued to take courses annually in subjects ranging from computers to lay speaking and various aspects of church ministry. She graduated from Penn State in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in human development and Family Studies.

Pamela was employed at Faith United Methodist Church in Bellefonte as Visitation Assistant for 14 years from April 1989 until her retirement in June 2003. She visited elderly shut-ins at home, care facilities as well as patients in the hospital. Her former work experience included working in factory assembly lines for more than eight years, desk clerk and assistant to the manager at a State College motel for five years; from June 1983 to December 1990, she was a radio announcer starting at the Bellefonte station and ending at WZWW (3WZ). Most recently, Pamela was a volunteer radio announcer at the Christian radio station WTLR in State College, as well as volunteering at the Faith Center Thrift Shop in Bellefonte and Faith Church Community Food Bank. Pamela was also a published writer. While working at Penn Tran Corp. from 1977 to 1984, she was press secretary for the International Union Magazine. She had some of her work published in a United Methodist periodical and in a local Christian newspaper. Additionally, she published her own cookbook and materials for a grieving course that she developed.

Pamela is survived by one brother, Ronald R. Smith (Deborah) of Julian. Also surviving are seven nephews, three nieces, and one great-nephew, and her faithful feline companion, Bella.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by one sister, Judith R. Smith, and one brother, Kim David Smith.

Pamela had a strong faith and love of the Lord. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church, where she has sung in choirs and as a soloist for over 42 years. She was a youth leader for ten years, former Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, steward, liturgist, and on the Worship, Evangelism and Member Care commissions. She was a certified Lay Speaker and served as pulpit supply since 1989 for several churches in Centre County, having delivered over 60 sermons.

Pamela sang in the Bellefonte Victorian Christmas Choir for several years. She has also sung as numerous churches around Centre County as a guest soloist for over 32 years. She attended ten Lay Witness missions around Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.
She was involved in community theater. She performed in several plays, as well as helped back stage as house manager, usher and snack bar manager. In addition to the theater, she helped produce and direct numerous shows and skits for her church when she served as drama director.

She was very proud of her charitable efforts. She supported a child in the Philippians for nine years and donated blood with the Johnston Red Cross. She enjoyed many kinds of music, playing piano, and guitar. She also crocheted afghans for several family members and friends. She loved animals, baking, reading and going to yard sales.

A public viewing will be held on Monday, October 8, 2018 from 10-11 am at Faith United Methodist Church at 512 Hughes Street, Bellefonte. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11 am at the church with Rev. Andrew Morgan officiating. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pamela’s memory to any of the following charities: Fonda’s Foundlings at 1956 Norwood Lane State College, PA 16803, The Hundred Cat Foundation at PO Box 10 Centre Hall, PA 16823, or Centre County PAWS at 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.

To send flowers to the family of Pamela Jane Smith, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.