Pam Sue Harrison was a vibrant and friendly person who loved to have fun! She was a social butterfly, knew how to make others feel loved and cared for and was a genuine friend to everyone she knew. She always had a sweet smile, positive attitude and spoke encouraging words no matter what she was personally going through. Pam was a talented artist who enjoyed painting, drumming and dancing, especially to songs like “Play That Funky Music”. She loved dressing up in costumes and was known for hosting great Halloween parties with lots of friends. She enjoyed driving her classic 1969 yellow Chevy Camaro and was a lifelong dedicated Elvis Presley fan.
Pam passed unexpectedly at the age of 72 on July 30th to join her sister Susie Childress, her parents Ernest and Jean Carter and her precious Grandma Mary Reeves Kirkland. She was the oldest of four children and lived all her childhood at her country home just outside of Woodlake near the base of “W” mountain. She was a good student and quite smart attending Woodlake Elementary and High School where she was involved in 4H and very proud that she played the piccolo in the High School marching band. She graduated from Redwood High School in June of 1967.
On September 3, 1966, Pam eloped to Las Vegas, Nevada where she married James Perry Harrison. They eventually bought a home and raised their two children in Exeter, CA where they lived for many years until eventually relocating to Visalia.
Pam was a dedicated mother to her children and was very supportive and involved in all their activities. She sewed Brownie costumes and multiple years of cheerleading outfits. She attended every softball game, band, cheerleading event and swim meets, even assisting with coordinating, being an event timer, clerk of the course, and of course was always our biggest cheerleader.
She had lots of fun with her family and enjoyed being involved in a four-wheel drive club called the “Captain Crunch Bunch” with her CB handle, “Shady Lady”. She was a daredevil driver in her dune buggy and loved to “spin the bowls” at Pismo Beach. One of her favorite places was Hume Lake where she loved to camp and had lots of great childhood memories. She had tons of fun playing spoons and sipping out of a bota bag at the local Bluegrass Festivals and when we went on winter trips, one of her favorite treats was making “snow cream”
Pam started working at Josten’s American Yearbook in January of 1969. She spent many years in the paste up department before returning to night school as an adult to study photography and art. She always knew in her heart she was an artist. She got accepted for a transfer to the art department and that let her talents shine. She got promoted to Group Leader, loved traveling to meet with schools and made many lifelong friends which became like an extended family and had a wonderful outlet to express her creativity. She could sketch up just about anything you asked her to right there on the spot. Pam finally retired from Jostens after 46 years of service.
Her surviving family members include: Husband, “Jim” James Perry Harrison of Visalia, CA, sister “Patti” Patricia Dillon, married to John Dillon of Porterville, CA and brother John Carter. Their oldest daughter Julie Ann Embry is married to John Richard Embry residing in Evergreen, Colorado. Their youngest son “Jim” James Ernest Harrison is married to Lisa Harrison residing in Huntington Beach, California. Pam had five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Jim & Lisa’s family include “Maddie” Madeline Isabella Harrison of Clovis, CA and James Ryan Harrison of Huntington Beach, California. Julie and John’s family include Ashley Renee, Nate and Willa Mae Weidner of Boise, Idaho, Lindsey Dawn Embry of Waco, Texas and Shaelee Anne and Michael Bak of Cedar Park, Texas.
Other family members include: Karla Tribble of Kingsport, TN,, Mike (David) Childress of Clovis, CA, Dennis Childress of Amarillo TX, Mitchell Olson of Pleasanton, CA, Barbara Carter of Kalispell, Montana, Rick and Ron Carter of Woodlake. She is also survived by her extended family of wonderfully dedicated lifelong friends.
Visitation: Thursday, August 19th from 4-8pm at Miller Memorial Chapel 1120 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia
Graveside service: Friday August 20th at 10am at Woodlake Cemetery 165 N. Cypress St., Woodlake
Reception: Immediately following service at Visalia Elks Lodge 3100 W. Main St., Visalia (please email RSVP to [email protected])
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com 1120 W. Goshen Ave.
