Pamela J Elliott

Pamela Jean Elliott, one of God’s faithful servants, our family connector, and a friend to many was born on April 3, 1957 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After living a life of purpose and making a difference in the lives of others, Pamela transitioned back to her Creator on February 23, 2021.

Faithful Servant – 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”. Pamela began serving the Lord as a member of St Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. When she moved to Indianapolis, she continued serving in ministry as an active member of Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church. Never one to sit, Pamela served as the Treasurer, Church Council Secretary, and was a current member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and President of the Ladies Guild. She was also the Co-Director of Rebecca’s Garden of Hope Tutoring and Mentoring Program which provides opportunities for children in grades K through 5 to improve their educational outcomes, enhance their social skills, establish lasting relationships, and share the love of Christ.

Pamela’s life of service was also exemplified during her 41 years of service at Indiana University. 31 of which, she was a devoted Indiana University School of Dentistry staff member having served as assistant to the associate dean of clinical affairs, clinics administrator, and patient advocate. She was a wonderful person and dedicated employee.

Family Connector – Making sure everyone in the family stayed connected was important to Pamela. Whether that meant researching our family’s genealogy; or sending monthly birthday text’s reminding everyone whose birthday was coming up so we could send birthday greetings. She also spearheaded organizing the April birthday celebration at a local restaurant because so many were born that month. Or was she the organizer because April was her birthday month – hmmmm! When it became difficult for everyone to get together on Thanksgiving, Pamela created Thanksgiving with a twist, and we celebrated the holiday the day after. She even organized future family cruises after one niece included a family cruise as part of her wedding celebration. Pamela’s love kept the family connected. Not only was she our rock, but she was also the baby girl and last Elliott woman in the family. She will be missed dearly as she had a different bond and connection with each family member. No matter what, when, or how she was always there.

Fun Loving Friend – Pamela loved having fun! She was the one who never passed up the opportunity to travel, to hit the dance floor, or get together. When she moved to Indianapolis, she became a member of the African American Singles, Inc. a group of professional singles who banded together to celebrate and support each other’s accomplishments. The group also sponsored events to contribute financially to nonprofits such as Sickle Cell Foundation. But her ride or die was Sandra. They met in 7th grade and reconnected Sophomore year in college. They did everything together and became known as Laverne (Pam) and Shirley (Sandra). So many of their memories include each other and they would not have it any other way!

Pamela was preceded in death by our parents, Thomas and Kresser Elliott, Sr.; her sisters Sandra Logan, Modora (Rodney) Wade and Jacqueline Woods, her sister-in-law, Marshall Franklin, and George Alexander (Uncle Jack). Pamela leaves to cherish her memory, her “Angel” Joya Wade of Indianapolis, IN, her brothers Theron (LaVeda) Franklin, Sr. of LaPorte, IN, Thomas (Jane) Elliott, Jr., Clarence Elliott, and Ronald (Catrina) Elliott, Sr. all of Fort Wayne, IN, and sister-in-law Mable Elliott-Taylor (Tennessee). She is also survived by Almedia Alexander (Aunt Meme), 16 nieces and nephews all who held a special place in her heart; 34 great nieces and nephews; 26 great-great nieces and nephews, her God son Isaiah Douglas, and her best friend from 7th grade Sandra (Richard) Wharton of Fort Wayne, IN.

Donations may be made in Pamela’s honor to either of two scholarship funds:

Indiana University School of Dentistry Diversity Dental Scholarship

Indiana University School of Dentistry

Attn.: John Hoffman, Development Dir.

1121 W. Michigan St., Rm. 104

Indianapolis IN 46202-5186

Or dropped off to Peppy Persey in the Dean’s Office at that same location.

Note on the memo line: Diversity-PJE
Make Checks Payable to: IU Foundation and note on the memo line: Diversity-PJE

To provide a scholarship in Pamela’s name at the Rebecca’s Garden of Hope chapter at Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church

Rebecca’s Garden of Hope

2212 S. Chickasaw Trail Ste #114

Orlando, FL 32825