Pam Stamey

Pamela Purnell Priest Stamey, 75, of Statesville, N.C., beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at her family home.

Born on May 26, 1948, in Somerset, KY, to the late Samuel Rogers Priest and the late Mildred Jones Priest FitzSimons, Pam was raised in Miami until the age of 12, when she moved to Flat Rock, NC. The oldest of three sisters, Pam graduated from Hendersonville High School in 1966. She enrolled in Mitchell College and met Robert “Bob” Wayne Stamey, a tall, charismatic Statesville local. Pam and Bob began their life together soon after, marrying on June 15, 1968.

Over the next few decades, the couple would build a family, grow a business and create a life of service and love.  Their three children, David, Robb and Meg were the first of their generation on both sides of the family. Pam and Bob built a network of dear friends in Statesville as Pam involved herself in the community serving on the boards of Iredell Memorial Hospital and Mitchell Community College, and being an active member in multiple garden clubs, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sigma Phi Gamma sorority and Broad Street United Methodist Church.

Pam traveled extensively during her lifetime and had a true curiosity and respect for other cultures. Pam and Bob’s network of friends grew to span the globe. Always better as a team, Pam happily joined Bob as they visited Stamey Farm clients in the States and around the world. She cherished these relationships and the opportunity to expand her world view.

Through her rare and over-the-top values in hospitality, Pam and Bob’s home, known as Boxwood, evolved into a magical place -- especially for their grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Countless full hearts gathered around Pam’s table and many friends, family members and acquaintances took comfort under her roof. There’s no doubt that each left deeply influenced by her warm welcome. Pam perceived no difference between a friend and a stranger, a philosophy that served as the foundation for her exceptional ability to make others feel at home. Pam created unforgettable moments, bright spots of graciousness and love in an unpredictable world.

Known by her grandchildren as “Mimi,” and by Bob as “Dilly,” Pam adored watching her eight grandchildren grow up. She was always in the stands at their games or proudly watching a performance. She fostered an environment that brought them together, nurturing a bond that will last through their lifetimes.

Pam Stamey was preceded in death by her husband of more than 54 years, Bob Stamey, in 2022. She is survived by her children David James Stamey and his wife, Devon Oliver Stamey, of Statesville; Robert “Robb” Shaw Stamey and his wife Kelly Holtzmuller Stamey of Cornelius; Margaret “Meg” Stamey French and her husband Brett Walker French of Statesville and Miami; and grandchildren Max James and Oliver Graham Stamey of Statesville; Robert Holt, Catherine Ann, Megan Elizabeth, and Chase David Stamey of Cornelius; and Ashley Slay and Elizabeth Stamey French of Statesville and Miami.

In addition to her husband, Pam was preceded in death by her sister, Candy Rogers Priest of Hendersonville; her father, Samuel Rogers Priest; her mother Mildred Rogers Priest FitzSimons; and her stepfather Frank FitzSimons, Jr. She is survived by her sister Mindy Priest Staton and her husband Richard Lee Staton. Pam’s family by marriage, she’s also survived by her brother-in-law, Charles “Charlie” Howard Stamey and his wife Christine “Chris” Troutman Stamey of Union Grove; and her three sisters-in-law: Sue Stamey Stewart Wells and her husband Richard, “Rick” Wells of Greensboro; Margaret Stamey Payne and her husband, the Honorable Ronald “Ron” Payne of Asheville; and Annie Stamey Palles of Raleigh.

Following a burial service with the immediate family, a memorial service for Pam Stamey will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 28, 2024, at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 315 W. Broad St., Statesville, N.C. 28677 and then a celebration of life at the family home. The family requests that gifts be made to the Pam and Bob Stamey Endowment at Mitchell Community College.  Online condolences may be made at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.