Pamela A. Carley

Pamela Arnette Carley, 64 years old, died the 15th of June 2011 in Austin, Texas. Pam Carley gave more than 40 years of distinguished service to the citizens of the State of Texas with the Texas Department of MHMR and the Department of Aging and Disability. Ms. Carley began her career in October 1969 at the Lubbock State School. In 1976 Pam transferred to Austin where she held various positions in the Central Office of TDMHMR including Assistant Deputy Commissioner and the Director of Consumer Services and Rights. In 2004 Ms. Carley was selected to serve as the Director of Consumer Rights and Services at the newly formed Department of Aging and Disability Services. She served at DADS until her retirement on the 30th of November 2010. In 1984 Pam Carley became the first woman ever elected to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Employee Retirement System of Texas. Pam’s tenure as an elected member of the board spanned 19 years and during that time, she held various positions on the board including Vice Chairman and Chairman. Pam spent the vast majority of her career administering, developing and monitoring programs that provide services to individuals with intellectual and mental disabilities. She was a tireless advocate for the legal and basic human rights of all consumers receiving care whether from state, public or private providers. Ms. Carley was preceded in death by her mother and father Janelle and Curtis “Slick” Reynolds.

Surviving Pam is her sister, Markay Vallario; aunt, Joyce Halsey Burkholder; cousins, Marcus Halsey, Sudie Graham, Benay Welsh and Bridget Lyon and her special cat, Mr. Blue. In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, the family request that contributions be made in Pam’s memory to Austin Community College Foundation, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, Texas 78752. A memorial celebration will be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning, Monday, the 20th of June at the Austin State School Chapel. Tributes may be made at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com