Pamela Kay Whittom, 76, of Chatham, Illinois, passed away Saturday, August 24, 2024, at her home following a long battle with cancer.
She was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, on March 7, 1948, the daughter of I. Wayne and Helen (Oliver) Smith. She lived most of her life in Galesburg, Illinois, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1966 and going on to graduate from Brown’s Business College. She owned and operated Stepping Stone on South Seminary Street. Later, she went on to serve at Independent Accountants Association of Illinois for seventeen years before her retirement in 2023.
Pamela’s faith was the center of her life. She was a member of First Christian Church in Galesburg for over 65 years, and later became a member of Cherry Hills Church in Springfield. She had a servant’s heart, going out of her way to do anything she could for anybody who may need it. Her grace and moral integrity defined her.
She raised her family in the church, and it was her greatest joy to know that all her children and grandchildren were walking with the Lord. Her family meant the world to her.
Pamela loved spending time with her family whether it was done while playing board games, decorating for each and every holiday, or dancing in the kitchen. She also enjoyed long phone conversations with dear friends and family across the country, sometimes late into the evening.
Those surviving her include children, Rachel Sutter, Sarah (Anthony) Antonacci, Nathan Whittom, and Isaiah Whittom, all of Chatham; sister, Cheryl (Daniel) Siems, of Galesburg; grandchildren, Olivia, Jacob, Megan, and Ethan Antonacci; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Karen Jehling, and nephew, Jeff Jehling.
Visitation for Pamela is scheduled from 9:30-11:00 am, Tuesday September 3, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am at the chapel with Rev. Daniel Siems officiating. Rev. Martha-Jean Fitch will officiate her graveside service at East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Pamela’s name to the First Christian Church, Galesburg or Cherry Hills Church, Springfield. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
