Palma "Pam" Kantsios

RICH CREEK, VA – Palma Christine Whitlow Kantsios, lovingly known as Pam, passed away peacefully on Thursday at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and deep love for her family and community. A lifelong resident of Rich Creek, Pam was known for her tireless dedication to others, her passion for community service, and her unwavering faith.
Pam was born on November 18, 1933, to the late Giles and Mary Harvey Whitlow. She attended Oakvale High School's Class of 1952, later earning her GED. Her life was defined by resilience, hard work, and compassion for others.
She was preceded in death by brothers GA and Clark Whitlow. Two beloved husbands: James Ballard, and Frank Kantsios. Pam was a devoted mother to her children: Sheryl Helm (Stewart), Kathy Brown (Tony), Helen Wolfe, Tommy Kantsios (Pam), George Kantsios (Nancy), and Billy Kantsios (Kim). She cherished her role as grandmother to 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and fur baby Abby always making each one feel uniquely loved and special.
Pam's professional life was marked by dedication and entrepreneurship. She worked at Maiden Form and Celco before becoming the owner and manager of the Riverview Restaurant for an incredible 38 years, a cornerstone of the Rich Creek community.
An active civic leader, Pam made history in 1982 as the first woman elected to the Rich Creek Town Council, where she served three terms. One term as the town's first female Vice Mayor. She also contributed her time and talents to the Rich Creek Merchants Association, the Giles County Chamber of Commerce, Charter Member of the Giles/Monroe Quota Club, Member of the Rich Creek Elementary PTA, and served as Past President of the New River Community Action Board. In 1991, she was honored by her community when she was crowned Ms. Rich Creek.
Pam's greatest passion was her faith and her church. She became a member of Rich Creek United Methodist Church on July 2, 1961, and was deeply involved in every aspect of its ministry for over six decades. She served on the PPR Committee, the Board of Trustees, Worship and Nurture Committees, and was a dedicated Sunday School teacher and youth leader. A proud member of the United Methodist Women since 1965, she served as unit president multiple times and chaired numerous circles. From 1992 to 2004, she served on the Tazewell District United Methodist Women's Mission Team, including four years as District President. In recognition of her service, she received the prestigious Hearts of Gold Award from the Holston United Methodist Women's Conference in 2002. In November of 2024, Pam became a Charter Member of Christ Family Fellowship where she served on the Paster Relations and Family Outreach committees. She also served as Prayer Leader during worship services, offering spiritual support and encouragement to her church family.
Pam's creative talents and giving spirit extended into her mission work and hobbies. She was a well-known sewer of Christening gowns, offering these beautiful garments to her family as treasured gifts. Her mission work included knitting garments for premature babies in the hospital, offering warmth and love to the tiniest and most vulnerable. Pam was also a published author. Her heartfelt and often humorous short stories were featured in collections such as Down in the Holler and A Living History of Southern West Virginia.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She was a woman of incredible strength, generosity, and faith-someone who embodied service and led by example in all that she did.
A celebration of Pam's life will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, with Pastors Aubrey Whitlow, Jim Wentz, and Doug Hyndrich officiating. Family and Friends are invited to gather for visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow. Interment will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens with grandsons serving as pallbearers.
Online guestbook can be signed or condolences may be sent to the family at www.broyles-shrewsbury.com. Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown, WV.