Pamela Jester

Pamela B. Jester

Pamela Rose Barnard Jester was born on an autumn day in Hagerstown, Indiana on October 13, 1957 as the middle of five children to Mary Alma (née Tristler) and Charles Alfred Barnard. She met her loving Lord on April 2, 2019, while surrounded by loved ones.

Moving to Clearwater, Florida, Pam graduated from Clearwater High School in 1976 where she found her lifelong companion, friend, confidant, and husband Paul Brownell Jester.  The two high school sweethearts married after their two-year engagement on August 5, 1978 in an at home service surrounded by loving family and dear friends.   Pam pursued her education, receiving her degree from The University of Tampa, while welcoming her son Emory Matthew Jester into the world.  During the following years, moves for the family included stops in Naperville, Illinois; Maggie Valley, North Carolina; Asheville, North Carolina; and Hershey, Pennsylvania, helping to further their careers with retirement to their custom coastal home in Merritt, North Carolina.  Pam made lifelong friendships at each locale.  Perhaps her most fulfilling career achievement was during their joint opportunity as house parents at The Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania.  Having a positive impact on their impressionable charges was most important to "Mrs. J."   Knowing that she could model a responsible woman and a loving marriage to those she mentored was impactful.

Throughout her adult life, health issues plagued each chapter of her life, although did not define her.  She was the recipient of a kidney transplant from her devoted husband to alleviate polycystic kidney disease.  Husband Paul would jokingly remind her that his kidney would enjoy a beer.  Most recently, a cancer diagnosis was her biggest hurdle.  She approached the horrible odds with her trademark shining smile and vibrant spirit.  Her Christian faith sustained her even with the darkest prognosis, providing a beacon for her loved ones to avoid despair.

If you were Pam's friend, you were cherished and loved.  Her big heart knew no bounds. Her love continues to defy boundaries.

Her happiest moments were when friends and family were gathered, providing memories to sustain and cherish.  Pam was accomplished at entertaining in her home.  Her recipes are family favorites and her style could not be matched.

Investment in children was evident by her choice of educational study and career.

Motherhood was truly her greatest achievement.  The joy Pam received at seeing Emory graduate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, rise to Captain in The United States Marine Corps, to then marry and become a loving spouse and father filled her heart.  In 2001, Pam was fortunate to add a daughter to her life with Emory's marriage to Jessica.  The addition of a grandchild, Teagan, was icing on the cake.  Pam's efforts toward family were rewarded with love and devotion.

Pam is predeceased by her parents and infant son, Zachary Yale Jester. Pam is survived by her adoring husband, Paul; her son Emory Matthew Jester (Jessica), her precious granddaughter, Teagan Marie, whom she called "Biddy"; siblings Charles "Charlie" Barnard (Maria), Judy LaVon Vera, Robin Sue Dale (Greg), and Robert Allen Barnard (Trish) along with loving nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Pam's memory to:
Rathbun House c/o WNC Bridge Foundation, P. O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813 for the support of families in need of respite care while loved ones seek services at Mission Hospital or The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation 1501 N. Belcher Road, Suite 244 Clearwater, FL  33765 for the support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or the charity of your choosing.

The care of Pamela has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com