PAMELA JANE SHIRLEY CROWE

Pamela Jane Shirley Crowe was called home by her heavenly Father on Oct. 23, 2025, with her loving family by her side.

Born to Jane and Jack Shirley on March 5, 1947, Pam was raised in Brownfield, Texas, alongside her three younger siblings. She attended Brownfield High School, where she was known for her keen intelligence, drive, and compassion. She spent much of her time working for the school yearbook and was a member of the International Honorary Society. Not surprisingly, her classmates voted her “All-School Girl Favorite,” describing her as “a rare combination of someone who is loaded with talent, has a sincere appreciation of others, and exercises the responsibility and willpower to tackle a difficult job and see it through to a successful conclusion.” These words remained true throughout her entire life, and perfectly capture the legacy she leaves behind.

Jack and Jane were strong advocates for a college education, having sacrificed their own educations to serve in WWII. Pam enrolled in Texas Tech University, a short 35 minute drive from home, to the delight of her parents. She became a member of the Delta Gamma sorority, and began her studies as an education major. During a family Christmas trip to Vail during her sophomore year, a handsome young man named Richard Crowe from Amarillo, introduced himself to her. It wasn’t long before Pam knew that he was her forever love, and on July 20, 1968, the couple committed their lives to one another at the First Presbyterian Church in Brownfield.

After the wedding, the newlyweds moved to Fort Worth, where Richard worked at the Bank of Commerce earning $500 a month — which felt like a lot — except that rent was $200. Pam completed her education at Texas Christian University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969, and soon thereafter began her work in education as an elementary teacher at Aledo ISD. Money was tight, so it seemed like the perfect time to start a family! In January of 1971, Christian Courtney was born. The following September, Richard fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a small town banker, and the young couple packed up their newborn and moved to Buckholts. Within a few years, their little family grew again with the arrival of Whitney Alison in 1974, and Ashley Elizabeth completed their family with her arrival in 1978. Pam built a beautiful life with her husband in Buckholts, where they raised their daughters. She and Richard resided there together for over 54 years.

Pam’s love for teaching and education extended to Buckholts ISD where she taught English, and subsequently served on the school board for 22 years. Eventually Richard persuaded her to join him in banking, where her love for people and service continued to shine. Pam devoted 45 years working alongside her husband at the bank, and 36 years as a member of the Board of Directors.

Although Pam was extremely involved in her community, her church, and the bank, the most valuable investment of her time was spent as a mother to her three girls. Pam’s love for teaching extended into her home where she encouraged her girls’ love for reading, cooking, sewing, painting, and music. In time, her daughters married and grandchildren joined the family, and Pam stepped into her most beloved role of all. She was lovingly known as “Cita” to her ten grandchildren - Drew, Haley, Madeleine, Clara, John-Louis, Will Thomas, Anne-Elise, Nathaniel, Jack, and Cecilia. She brought inexhaustible love and devotion to her grandchildren, who deeply cherished her involvement and interest in their lives. When she was with her family, Cita’s lap was a popular seat due to her endless patience for scratching everyone’s backs, even when their age or size had far outgrown her lap.

A lifelong lover of music, Pam was a skilled pianist, guitarist, and vocalist. She grew up in a musical family, and the first time Richard ever laid eyes on her, she was singing and playing the guitar for a roomful of people. As a result, her daughters grew up in a home filled with music, and her passion was passed on to them and to her grandchildren as well. Never was she happier than listening to her talented grandchildren play music and sing.

While her family and love for serving others were among her primary motivations, her relationship with the Lord was her guiding light. She was an active and devoted member of Christian Community Church, where she led praise and worship for over 40 years. Together with Richard, she traveled to 25 countries on mission trips and also served as a member of both Lions International and the Arts and Service League. Pam’s involvement with Christian and service organizations was a tenant of her life, but her joy was greatest when she could create a meaningful connection with someone, and communicate her sincere appreciation of others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jane and Jack Shirley, and her infant son, Richard Crowe, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Richard Crowe, her daughters, Courtney Crowe Barton, Whitney Crowe Gomez and Ashley Crowe Hutchison, her siblings, Liza Morell, Nancy Clark, and John Shirley, and her ten beloved grandchildren.

Pamela Crowe was truly a rare combination, fiery and quick-witted, but equally as kind and loving. She was extremely well-spoken, wellread, selfless, funny, personable, and warm. Her personality was as colorful as her clothes, and her heart as big as her collection of books. Cita loved her family to no end, and left them with many memories to cherish until they see her again.

To celebrate and remember her life, a service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, at Christian Community Church, 5221 N. Hwy 190, Cameron, Texas. In her memoriam, donations may be made to The Jesus Film Project.