Pamela Mae Smith Fannin

July 22, 1955 – October 10, 2025

Brandon, Florida

Pamela Mae Smith Fannin, 70, of Lake City, Florida, passed away on October 10, 2025, in Brandon, Florida, after a courageous eight-year battle with Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Cancer.

Pam was born on July 22, 1955, in Villa Rica, Georgia, to Eugene Ray Smith and Clara Louise Summerville Smith. She was a proud graduate of East Bay High School, Class of 1974.

In 1975, Pam met the love of her life, Henry “Wesley” Fannin Jr., and the two were married on May 20, 1976. Together, they built a beautiful life and welcomed their son, Forrest W. Fannin, in 1981.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Ray “Smitty” Smith (2003) and Clara Louise Summerville Smith (2023), both of Riverview, Florida.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Henry Wesley Fannin Jr. of Lake City, FL; her son, Forrest W. Fannin (Kathleen) of Brandon, FL; and her granddaughter, Lauren Coleman of Brandon, FL.

Pam is also survived by her loving sisters:

• Sheila Smith (Rachel) of Valrico, FL

• Sabrina Kelly of Brandon, FL

• Vonda Larson (Chris) of Riverview, FL

She was a proud and loving aunt to many nieces and nephews:

Channing Larson, Sage Larson, Logan Kelly, Annie Moniz, Steve Connors, Scott Fannin, Laura Fannin, Russell Fannin, Anthony Fannin, Christina Grable, Jackie Finch, Knicole Lee, Arlene McNamara, Roy Fannin II, Kevin Fannin, and Ryan Fannin.

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A Life of Love and Creativity

Pam’s heart was made for children. She began her career in early childhood education as a preschool teacher, bringing gentleness, patience, and imagination to every classroom and every child she encountered. She also served as a Sunday school teacher, a tutor, and a homemaker whose quiet strength and unwavering kindness left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Anyone who knew Pam often described her as “one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met.” That sentiment was not just a reflection of her character but a testament to the love and care she poured into every relationship and every moment of her life.

A talented Southern cook, Pam learned from one of the best—her mother—and prepared delicious meals daily for her husband and son. No matter how hectic life became, there was always a warm, home-cooked meal waiting, prepared with love and care.

Pam’s creative spirit was boundless. She loved poetry, writing, drawing, sketching, painting, sewing, and crafting with joy and precision. Her artistic talents were recognized when she won a ribbon at the Strawberry Festival in Plant City for her artwork—a small public nod to her deep well of creativity. Gifts from Pam were truly special—whether handmade or handwritten, each one carried her personal touch and heartfelt thought.

Her home radiated warmth, filled with the music she loved deeply and often felt deeply—eyes closed, fully immersed in each note. A lover of nature and a devoted reader of Scripture, Pam found beauty, peace, and inspiration in the world around her. She especially treasured every book of the Bible and read them with reverence and joy.

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Her Legacy

Pamela Mae Smith Fannin will be remembered not just for what she did, but for who she was:

Gentle. Creative. Loving. Full of light.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she adored, and the kindness she so freely gave. She leaves behind a world made better by her presence and a family and many friends who will carry her memory with grace and gratitude.

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Celebration of Life

A graveside Celebration of Life will be held on:

Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM

Hillsboro Memorial Gardens

2323 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511

All are welcome to join in honoring Pam’s beautiful life.

Please honor her by wearing blue—any shade—as it was one of her favorite colors.

Flowers are welcome, or Pam’s wish was for donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her memory.

Following the service, friends and family will gather at:

405 Timber Creek Dr., Brandon, FL 33510

to share food, stories, and cherished memories of Pam.