Pamela Webb

Pamela Suzanne Batten was born in 1948, the first of four children of Dr. Woodrow and Mary Gordon Batten. After living in Asheville, the three moved to Smithfield, NC, close to where Dr. Batten was raised when he decided to help develop Johnston Memorial Hospital. After her two brothers, Gordon and Eric, were born, the family spent two years in Jacksonville, FL, where Dr. Batten was stationed at the Naval Hospital and where #4, Julia Van, was born.

Upon returning to Smithfield, the 6 resumed an active life in the community, especially at the First Baptist Church, where Pam's mother directed the choir and her father was a deacon. Pam's musical talent (inherited from her mother) led to many years of accomplishment and enjoyment of the piano. Pam attended public school in Smithfield and graduated from Smithfield High School with the Class of 1966. There, she was an honor student and cheerleader. Her friends continue to remember her as smart, fun, kind, creative, and just all-around outstanding.

Pam attended Duke University, graduating with a degree in psychology. After graduation, her adventurous spirit took her to the Virgin Islands, where she taught elementary school for several years. Upon returning to North Carolina, she taught high school math and then completed her master's in mathematics at Appalachian State University. She worked toward her doctorate in mathematics at Georgia Tech while teaching math at community colleges.

In 1984, Pam married James E. Webb of Forest City, NC. When Jimmy's father needed care in his later years, Pam and Jimmy moved to Jimmy's hometown, where Pam taught math at Isothermal Community College, and where they retired. Jimmy predeceased Pam in 2023.

Surviving Pam are her three siblings: Gordon Batten of Tuckasegee, NC; Eric Batten of Sylva, NC; Julia Van Batten, of Lakewood, CO; nephew Tanner Batten of Dillsboro, NC; and great-nephew Rylen Batten of Dillsboro, NC.

The family wishes to express gratitude to Pam's neighbor and caregiver, Pam Lookadoo, who enabled Pam to remain in her home in her final years. As Pam requested no funeral, her family will conduct a private ceremony.