Pamela Digby Knudsen

Columbia–Pamela D. Knudsen, 81, died on Saturday, July 25, 2026, following a short illness. Born July 13, 1945, in Atlanta, GA, she was the daughter of the late Walter H. and Alma Switzer Digby. She grew up in Greer, SC, and attended Greer schools, including Greer Middle School where her mother taught. Her father was a funeral director. She entered the University of South Carolina in 1964 and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Following graduation in 1967, she began her teaching career in Cayce. She taught English at Lexington High School for many years before retiring in 2006.

She met Lewis F. Knudsen, Jr. (Fred) in 1968, when he was stationed at Fort Jackson, and despite her mother’s advice to have nothing to do with “those soldiers,” married him in Greer on June 13, 1970. They celebrated their 56th anniversary last month.

Pam was an avid reader, skilled bridge player, frequent advisor, and inveterate shopper. In retirement, she and Fred enjoyed traveling to many parts of the country and the world. A life-long Methodist, she attended Union United Methodist Church in Irmo and was a member of the John Rowland Sunday School Class and the Heritage Circle. She also sang with the Spirited Singers for many years. Her greatest joy was found in spending time with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Anne D. Pitts; and her son, Christopher T. Knudsen. She is survived by her husband; her daughter, Lindsay K. (Eric) Holcombe; her grandson, Harrison T. Holcombe, of Chapin; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom E. and Pat Knudsen of Trempeauleau, WI. She is also survived by her niece, Margaret Anne (Pearce) Gaffney; nephews, Ted (Christina) Pitts and Walter (Leslie) Pitts, all of Lexington; and two grandnieces and six grandnephews.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home–Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow St., Irmo, SC 29063. Burial will follow in a private family ceremony in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Dunbar Funeral Home–Dutch Fork Chapel on Thursday, August 6, 2026, 5–7 PM.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Prisma Health Baptist Hospital and Lexington Community Hospice House–Agape who treated and cared for her during her final days.

Memorials may be made to Union United Methodist Church, PO Box 705, Irmo, SC 29063.

She was a beloved wife, a devoted mother, a doting grandmother, and a good friend who will be greatly missed.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.