Pamela Kaye McAllister, known to all who loved her simply as Pam, was born on July 10, 1967, in Chilhowie, Virginia, a small town nestled in the mountains of Southwest Virginia that shaped the warmth and groundedness she carried throughout her life. Pam passed away on May 29, 2026, at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and an open heart that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Pam was raised in a family deeply rooted in love and loyalty. She was the daughter of Curtis Lee McAllister and Carolyn Lane Keesee McAllister, who were married for 50 years, and the granddaughter of the beloved Bernice Keesee. Pam shared a bond with her mother and grandmother that was among the most cherished of her life. She is reunited with them now, along with her father, who all preceded her in death.

A lifelong learner and dedicated professional, Pam earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from George Mason University, receiving her Master of Education and committing herself to a life of service. Her career was a testament to her compassion — she served as a nurse, a counselor, a crisis intervention specialist, and a corporate childcare executive with KinderCare before finding her truest professional calling in the classroom. For ten years she served Fairfax County Public Schools, first as an instructional assistant and then as a special education teacher at Vienna Elementary School, where she was known as a dedicated and beloved educator who met every child with patience, belief, and care. She arrived each day full of energy and nearly always in a beautiful dress — bringing the same intention and grace to her appearance that she brought to everything she did.

But as full as her professional life was, Pam was clear about what mattered most: her boys. Jacques Curtis Thomas — JT — and Jayden Elijah Thomas — Eli — were her greatest joy and her life’s proudest work. She was in the stands for every baseball game, every football game, every wrestling match, and every new pursuit her sons threw themselves into. She showed up completely, every time — and you always knew when Pam had arrived. Her sparkling eyes and bright smile made everyone around her feel instantly welcome and loved.

Pam also showed her love through food. She was a gifted and generous cook who delighted in finding a new recipe and sharing it with friends and colleagues — bringing cakes, pies, and cookies to coworkers… just because. She even won the chili cook-off at work multiple years running.

Pam is survived by her sons, Jacques Curtis Thomas (JT) and Jayden Elijah Thomas (Eli); her sister, Stacy McAllister; and her niece, Madison Spencer, along with the many colleagues, friends, and students whose lives are richer for having known her.

Pam was the kind of person who made you feel seen, fed, and loved. The world is quieter without her.

There will be a celebration of Pam’s life on Saturday, June 13, 2026, beginning at 11:30 a.m., at Patriots Pub and Grill, 10560 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22030. In honor of Pam, guests are invited to wear her favorite color pink.

In lieu of flowers, Pam’s friends have started a GoFundMe to help her boys: https://gofund.me/6e8002bea