Pam graduated from Madison High School in 1964 and began her career working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for several years. Her life took a vibrant turn in 1972 when she visited New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Captivated by the city’s charm, she relocated to New Orleans a few years later, working various jobs including bartending.
In 1984, her life changed dramatically when she met Earl Bernhardt. Pam worked at his frozen drink stand during the 1984 New Orleans World’s Fair, and by December of that year, the duo formed a legendary business partnership to open the very first Tropical Isle. A few years later, they invented the world-famous "Hand Grenade" drink, sending business booming. Together, Pam and Earl built Tropical Isle into an iconic French Quarter staple, expanding to four successful locations and a restaurant.
Pam truly loved running her bars, greeting visitors, and chatting with customers from every corner of the globe. Outside of her business, she was an avid dog lover who cherished her many pets over the years, and she had a deep passion for travel.
Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Sara Fortner; her brother, Robert Fortner; and her long-time business partner, Earl Bernhardt. She is survived by her nephews, Jeff (Sandra) Fortner, Jason Fortner, and Joel Fortner, as well as her great-nephew Evan Fortner, great-niece Erin Fortner and her Tropical Isle family.
The New Orleans pallbearers are Keiffer Young, Dwight Breland, Tim Fraylick, Marc Ohler, Shane Morrison, Rain Jaudin, Bryan Ory and Jimmy Burgin.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026, from 11 am until 1 pm at the Omni Royal Orleans, 621 St. Louis St., New Orleans, LA 70130. The funeral service will be held from 1 pm to 2 pm. A jazz funeral with a second line will follow starting at the hotel and continuing to Tropical Isle, 721 Bourbon St., where a reception celebrating Pam's life will be held.
A second service will be held on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1150 Dickerson Rd., Goodlettsville, TN 37072. Visitation will be from 1 pm until 2:30 pm. A funeral service will follow at 2:30 pm in the Chapel of the funeral home.
To view and sign the family online guestbook and share your memories of Pam, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Animal Rescue of New Orleans, 160 Brookhollow Esplanade, Elmwood, LA 70123.
