Pamela Sue Davila

To the cherished friends and family of Pamela Sue Marrs Davila,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Pamela's passing on August 6th, 2025, in West Friendship, Maryland. She was 72 years old and fought a courageous year-long battle with ALS.

Pamela was born in Norman, Oklahoma, to Donald E. Marrs and Katherine Beumeler. She spent her formative years in Nederland, Texas, alongside her beloved siblings, Donna Moye, Kenneth Marrs, and Cheryl Miller. She will always be remembered for her unwavering devotion as a wife, mother, grandmother, and sister to her extensive family, as well as an enthusiast of photography, quilting, and gardening.

From a young age, Pamela showed a dedication to learning. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Utah and a Master's degree in Optics from the University of Arizona before beginning a 32-year career as an Optical Engineer at NASA in 1982. She twice earned the NASA Exceptional Achievement Award: in 1994 for her work on the Hubble Telescope repair optics, and in 2014 for her leadership on the James Webb Space Telescope Integrated Instrument Module Team. She retired in 2014.

Pamela is survived by her husband of 53 years, Joseph Davila, and children, Ross Davila, Eliot Davila, and Carrie Davila. Her memory will forever be in the hearts of her loving grandchildren Gabriel and Heloisa Davila, Ezra and Winnie Davila, and Liam, Zoe, and Kyla Waschak.

A private funeral service at the Catholic church Pamela attended will be held for immediate family and a celebration of life will be announced for a later date. Donations can be made in Pamela’s memory to the ALS Association at the following link:

https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/TR/DIY/NationalOffice?px=9293398&pg=personal&fr_id=16212

While Pam’s passing is a reminder of the fragility of life, the way that she embraced living every day of her life to the fullest forged a legacy that her family will carry forward. Her strength, compassion, and unwavering courage in the face of adversity will be forever honored. More importantly, they will serve as the greatest reminders of how important it is to make the world a better place and future as bright as possible. Her memory and spirit will be a radiant echo for generations to come—reminding all that we are ’better together.’