Search by Name

Search by Name

Pamela Wilson

1954 - 2020

Pamela Wilson obituary, 1954-2020, Houston, TX

Pamela Wilson Obituary

Pam Francis Wilson
1954-2020
Pamela Francis Wilson, 65, beloved daughter, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully at her home and went to be with Christ on July 18, 2020 while recovering from a surgery.
She was born in Houston, Texas on October 12, 1954, and survived by her parents, Joanne Guest Wilson and Welcome W. Wilson, Sr., who have been married for 70 years. Pam grew up in Denton and Houston, with her four surviving siblings, Welcome Wilson, Jr. (Anita), Cindi Proler Ray (Sam), Craig Wilson (Lisa), and Joanne Wilson Castleberry. She was named "Favorite Aunt Pam" by her nieces and nephews, David Proler, Christina Wilson Altenau (Matt), Ryan Proler (Misty), Courtney Wilson McGregor (Hamish), Preston Proler (Taryn), Lauren Garrow (Adam), Kelly Wilson, Demi Wilson, AnnaCatherine Wilson, Elizabeth Castleberry Patton (Chase), Wilson Castleberry, Welcome Wilson III, Maryclaire Wilson, Jackson Castleberry, Christian Castleberry and Ava Wilson, as well as fifteen great nieces and nephews and numerous other extended family. She was Godmother to David Proler, Courtney McGregor and Ava Wilson.
Pam's love of animals began at an early age with her English equitation riding at Tri-Oaks Stables and later Western riding on the Salt Grass Trail Ride. She adored her dogs, Annie, Allard, Daisy, Pepper and Molly, her cat Noah, and her horses, Royal Echo on Parade, Sundance, Segovia and Bambino. Her favorite moments were spent outdoors.
She attended Kolter Elementary and the Kinkaid School where she was a cheerleader for seven years, played basketball, and was a straight-A student. She attended Rollins College and graduated from The College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas in Austin in 1977. Upon graduating, she developed her first business, Pam Wilson Graphics. In the 80's, after marrying a National Geographic photographer, her true passion for the medium was ignited. She went from being an Artistic Director to a world renowned Editorial and Advertising award winning photographer. Her portfolio includes multiple United States Presidents, Governors, Mayors, Chancellors, Hollywood Stars, Sports Figures, Music Moguls, Museum Directors, CEOs, NASA, and The Houston Texans. Her photographs have been featured in many national magazines and on publication covers, including Fortune, Time, People, Texas Monthly, Continental Airlines Magazine and many others. Some of her most famous subjects include Beyonce, B.B. King, Dennis Quaid, Kevin Costner, Lyle Lovett, J.J. Watt, George Foreman, George Strait, and Oscar Wyatt among many, many others. Her first studio was in the original 1913 DePelchin Faith Home building in Midtown, where she lived and worked for 15 years. She loved the neighborhood and once said, "This place has been the heart, the soul, the center of my universe." Pam Francis, Houston Press article.
Later she transformed a historic home in Hyde Park into a working studio. From there, Pam went on to develop three other businesses; Turn to Texas (website for artistic directors and photographers), Real People (a modelling agency in which she curated non models for photo shoots) and Hyde Park Studio (a venue for photographers, commercial and personal events). Pam was a true entrepreneur. When there was a need, Pam found a solution.
Pam volunteered her talents for many charities, including K9s4Cops, The Children's Assessment Center, Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital, HSPCA (taking free pet photos off Allen Parkway for donations ), Habitat for Humanity (donating large entry framed family portraits for over 65 families displaced and given homes after Hurricane Katrina), AAMA, Young Learners, Bonita House of Hope, Denver Harbor Clinic, Barbara Bush Literacy Campaign as well as many others too numerous to mention. She never said no to a cause to help the homeless, children or animals.
Pam always supported her family's interests in all of their endeavors. She photographed the University of Houston Board of Regents, Chancellor Renu Khator, as well as the official photograph of the University of Houston mascot, Shasta. She also photographed the Board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Many billboard campaigns included the "GOT TICKETS" for the Houston Texans, the Houston Food Bank "GREEN APPLE" and Compaq computers. Her works received numerous professional awards, often being known as "the Annie Leibovitz of Texas".
Pam was a beautiful, generous & loving Christian who enjoyed life with a passion - helicopters in Russia, skydiving in the US and Australia, driving the yellow jeep with top down, motorcycling, riding in the Salt Grass Trail Ride and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade. She was an avid athlete with a competitive drive, holding records at The Texas Club, the Houstonian Club, as well as the Transco Tower Stair Climb. Her devotion to animals' rights and activism was outstanding. She loved to travel and experience different cultures which showed in her work. She had a deep love and caring for all humanity, especially those most afflicted by misfortune. Everyone was a friend and made to feel more at ease, more important and more beautiful and she was able to capture that on film.
Friends & family have commented, "Pam occupied this world generously." "Pam absorbed life as it came at her. Nothing slowed her down." "Her vision for the world was beauty. She saw this everywhere." "An artist in her own right, Pam made the world show brighter colors and revealed for us unseen treasure, sometimes at the simplest of life, sometimes at greater heights." "Pam had a joyous and funny selfless spirit and it was a gift having her with us."
Pam herself said, "It's a privilege but also a responsibility, because in a sense, you become the eyes of the thousands who view your work. Over the years I have developed a great skill of reading people, so I can usually tell what they would be comfortable doing. Rarely has anyone ever told me no. Nobody asks for resumes when looking at your work."
The family held a private service and are planning a Celebration of Life to be held next Spring, honoring her beautiful photographs and life. She will be laid at rest at her beloved ranch in Waller County.
Condolences may be shared on Earthman Funeral Directors website for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to BARC Animal Shelter, St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, Children's Assessment Center, or a Homeless Shelter of your choice.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Jul. 26, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Pamela Wilson

Sponsored by Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





This photo is by Russ Webb taken at Spaceland in the mid 1990's, with "Animal" Art Ingrao during her training to flat back her canopy. We made some jumps together and of course had some good fun. I remember her fondly and miss her smile. I still have the T-shirt she got me from the Whenuapai New Zealand drop zone. A genuine free spirit and good heart. God bless you Pam and your family!

Bob Heilman

Friend

July 31, 2020

“We pray the love of God comforts you.”
Please know that we love you and we honor the memory of Pamela.
Stuart and Gaye Lynn

Gaye Lynn and Stuart Zarrow

Friend

July 27, 2020

May God bless you and your family!

Cynthia and Ashley Phelps Seydler

Friend

July 26, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Pam. I remember her as being so full of life, feisty, and her own woman. She had a great sense of humor, and I know you all will miss her dearly.

Sequoya Nelson

Acquaintance

July 26, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Pam. I remember her as being so full of life, fiesty, and her own woman. She had a great sense of humor, and I know you all will miss her dearly.

Sequoya Nelson

Acquaintance

July 26, 2020

I cherish the privilege of being her friend and colleague. Her light will always shine bright. May her memory be eternal.

Ellie Malavis

Friend

July 26, 2020

This photo was taken by photographer Dave Staugas on a camping trip in High Sierras in 2005,for me it captures what she did to her subjects and friends.Whether at the Palace or a Cow Dung Hut and everyplace in between this what shone through.We met on the Salt Grass Trail and became friends for live.She engaged us all with her warmth,focus,and humor.I have thought of constantly since her passing and I am amazed at the impact she had on me.I will miss her more than I know and for anyone that knew her this is a time positive thoughts and prayers

Brooks Peterson

Friend

July 26, 2020

a loved one

July 26, 2020

Heartfelt condolences to the whole Wilson family from the Fite family

Travis Fite

Friend

July 26, 2020

R.I.P. Favorite Aunt Pam! We love you.

David Proler

Family

July 26, 2020

e share in your grief as you celebrate the beautiful life of Pam. May God comfort you While on earth through friends and family until you are with Pam in eternity.

Connie Spiegel

Friend

July 26, 2020

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Pamela Wilson's name

Memorial Events
for Pamela Wilson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home

8303 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024

How to support Pamela's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Pamela Wilson's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more