Dr. Pamela Bowen Bustos

She was born on January 21, 1964, to the late Gerald Clifton and Peggy Jo Jones Bowen.

Formerly of Lattimore, North Carolina, Pamela was a 1982 graduate from Crest Senior High School in Shelby, North Carolina. She then attended Appalachian State University where she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education in 1986 and a Master of Music degree in Music Education in 1994. From there, Pamela attended the University of Northern Colorado where in 1997 she attained her Doctorate of Arts with her primary being Wind conducting and her secondary being Clarinet performance. Pamela was extremely devoted to her career in music and education. She was a member of the National Band Association (NBA), the National Association for Music Education, the World Association of Symphonic Band and Ensembles, as well as the College Band Directors National Association. Pamela frequently took her students on international tours, where she exposed them to other cultures and music, which made lasting impacts. Her devotion and ambition, however, seen not only regarding her career, but was equally matched concerning her family. Pamela loved her family very much and treasured all the precious memories she made with them. Pamela had many interests and enjoyments in her life including gardening, landscaping her yard, thrift shopping, baking, and collecting modern mid-century pieces. She especially enjoyed driving down the country roads in her red 3000 GT red Mitsubishi. She was a compassionate individual to everyone she met, especially to her family, friends, students, and dogs, and will forever be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Pamela is survived by her loving husband, Nixon Raul Bustos Coral; daughter, Emilia Jo Bustos Bowen; sister, Deborah Bowen Farmer (Jim); nephews, Daniel Farmer and Caleb Farmer; and nieces, Adelaide Farmer and Antonia Mendoza.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, located at 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd., Mint Hill, North Carolina. A Celebration of Life for Pamela will follow the visitation at 2:00 pm in the McEwen Mint Hill Chapel with Pastor John Orr officiating.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com for the Bustos family.

McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel is honored to serve the family of Dr. Pamela Jo Bowen Bustos.