Pamela Y. Mays Smith

Pamela Yolanda Mays Smith was born on May 25, 1956, in Laurel, Mississippi, to Nebraska and Helen Moore Mays.

Pam spent her early years in Tallahassee, Florida, and Carbondale, Illinois. Her formative years were spent in Nashville, Tennessee, where she attended McKissack Elementary School in North Nashville, a historically significant school in the education of African American children.

Pam later attended Father Ryan High School, a private coeducational school, where she distinguished herself academically. She earned the opportunity to take advanced college-preparatory courses and graduated with honors.

In September 1977, Pam married her high school sweetheart, Curtis James Smith. Their union was blessed with the apple of Pam’s eye, her treasured son, Noah Nevada Smith, born November 8, 1988.

Pam continued her education at Tennessee State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and became a licensed Registered Nurse. Throughout her career, she cared for others at St. Thomas Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, various medical clinics, and as a traveling nurse. Nursing was not simply her profession; it was one of the many ways Pam gave of herself in service to others.

Left to cherish Pam’s memory are her beloved son, Noah Nevada Smith; former husband, Curtis James Smith; nephew, Kousei;  niece, Amane Mays;  aunts, Mildred Daugherty and Wyonne Henry; cherished cousins, Mikyta Daugherty and Susan Haynes;  devoted caretaker, Beverly Jackson; and many other cousins, family members, and dear friends.

Pam will be remembered for the life she lived, the people she cared for, and most especially for the love she held for those she called her own. Her presence remains in the hearts and memories of those who loved her.

Complete service arrangements will be announced soon.