Pamela Dearstyne

Pam was born on August 26, 1959 to A.C. and Margaret Dawson of Raleigh, NC. She attended Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC and East Carolina University in Greenville, NC where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Special Education. Pam was an extremely devoted teacher during her 26 years in education. She loved teaching and poured her love, dedication, patience and understanding into each and every one of her students.

Pam was the beloved mother of two daughters, Kelsey and Lexi. Her girls were her everything. She loved them fiercely and was the kind of mother that everyone aspired to be. Pam and her daughters were extremely close and enjoyed warm smiles, fun, and lots of laughter together.

Pam married the love of her life, Dr. Michael Dearstyne, on June 27, 2007. They were soulmates who shared a love so strong it was impossible for those around them not to notice. As such, both Pam’s and Mike’s children became so close that they became true brothers and sisters. Pam loved Mike’s children as if they were her own. They retired in 2018 and moved down to Sunset Beach, NC where they fulfilled their dreams of living a life near the ocean.

Pam enjoyed long walks with her dog Bentley at her favorite park, and spending time with family, friends and neighbors whom she adored. She had the greatest sense of humor and was always the life of the party while making sure everyone was enjoying themselves. She will be remembered for her loving smile, giving heart and infectious laugh. Pam was a treasured gift from God and will be truly missed by all.

She is preceded in death by her parents, A.C. and Margaret Dawson. She leaves behind her husband of 15 years, Dr. Michael Dearstyne; daughters, Kelsey Gage and Lexi Gage; four stepchildren, Cameron Dearstyne, Cate Dearstyne, Sarah Long, and Marcus Dearstyne; five step grandchildren, Tyler, Abby, Lilly, Maddie and Bodie; and her fur baby, Bentley. She is also survived by her siblings, Donna Highsmith (Jerry), Amos Council Dawson III (Gail), and Linda Burton.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 18th at two o'clock in the afternoon at Seaside United Methodist Church, 1300 Seaside Rd SW, Sunset Beach, NC.

In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Pam’s dedication to students and children in need, the family asks to please consider making a donation to Nourish NC, a local non-profit organization providing hungry children with healthy food.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com for the Dearstyne family.

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Bolivia/Supply Chapel