Pamela Jane Mahaffey

Pamela Jane Palmer Mahaffey, 76, of Odessa, Texas, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on Thursday, October 17th, 2024, at home surrounded by loved ones. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26th, 2024, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home at 6801 E. Business 20, Odessa, TX 79762. 

Pam was born in Rotan, Texas to J.T. & Jimma Lee Palmer on October 22nd, 1947. She graduated from Roby High School in 1966. She then traveled to Lubbock, Texas to attend Texas Tech University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1971. She married Eric (Rick) James Mahaffey on August 23rd, 1968, at First Baptist Church in Roby, Texas and later shared 3 children together. Pam worked as a Senior Manager for RadioShack for 17 years. Her dedication, knowledge and hard work allowed her stores to be successful and stand out throughout her tenure. She was often asked to travel to other stores in the Permian Basin to help them with issues and get them back on the right track when they were struggling. She was an avid member of the YMCA of Odessa, where she worked out multiple times a day and even taught yoga and Pilates classes until she became too ill to do so. Pam could always be found at one of her grandchildren’s softball, baseball, football, or basketball games as their biggest supporter. A hug from Gran was cherished by all no matter what the outcome of the game. 

Pam’s kindhearted nature and genuinely positive attitude and outlook on life drew people to her everywhere she went. Her compassion for animals was unparalleled and she routinely rescued dogs and cats wherever she found them in need and gave them a loving home. Pam had a knack for seeing the best in animals and people even when others struggled to see the same. If Pam knew you, then she loved you and cared about you. She was the best mother and grandmother that anyone could ask for and she will be greatly missed by all the lives she touched. 

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, J.T. & Jimma Lee Palmer; her sister, Cheryl Jean Palmer Neves; and her son, Christopher James Mahaffey. 

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Rick; her son, Patrick and daughter-in-law, Candy Mahaffey of Odessa, Texas; daughter, Ashley and son-in-law, Luke Gahr of Odessa, Texas; brother, Jo Brent and sister-in-law, Gail Palmer of Roby, Texas; grandchildren, Lanee Mahaffey, Aedan Mahaffey, Tanner Gahr, Liam Gahr, Nolan Gahr, and her life-long best friend Ginger Jones. 

Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or Interim Healthcare & Hospice Services. 

The family of Pam wish to extend our sincere thanks to Brea Hughes at Wendover Clinic, Alex & Maryann at Interim Healthcare & Hospice Services and Brenda at Cornerstone Caregiving for their compassion, attentiveness and wonderful care given to Pam throughout her sickness.