Pamela Irene Thompson-Crawford, age 72, wrapped up her amazing, joy-filled journey here on Earth on November 24, 2025, passing peacefully at home in Howell, Michigan, surrounded by the people she loved most — her husband, her kids, and the nonstop noise of a family that never once stopped laughing, even through the tears. She would’ve wanted it no other way.

Pam was born on October 4, 1953, in Alpena, Michigan to Douglas and Geraldine Thompson. She grew up between Alpena, Atlanta, and Hillman, graduating from Atlanta High School in 1971 — a place where she made lifelong friends and learned early that she was put on this earth to love big, laugh often, and take care of everyone around her.

And that’s exactly what she did.

Pam’s heart was wired to nurture. She spent many years running a daycare, loving every kid like they were her own. Later, she served as Church Secretary at Indian River United Methodist Church and at Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church in LaBelle, Florida, keeping everyone organized, on schedule, laughing (and occasionally blushing).

In the later years of her career, Pam became a school bus driver — and in true "Mrs. Pam" fashion, she made that more than just a job. She went above and beyond for her kids, “adopting” several who didn’t have support at home, folding their families into hers without hesitation. If someone needed love, guidance, a home-cooked meal, or a good talking-to with a side of humor, Pam was there. Many kids rode her bus, but plenty of them rode straight into her heart.

Pam was endlessly creative and full of surprises. She painted, she sewed, and she rehabbed wildlife like it was completely normal to have a recovering baby opossum  in the living room or a raccoon on the kitchen counter near the toaster. She loved spending time with her family, her friends, and especially Duane, the love of her life — her partner in adventure, mischief, laughter, and absolutely everything in between. If Pam was doing something with Duane, she was happy.

She never met a stranger. She never missed a chance to help someone. And she never left a room without making somebody laugh. Pam loved the Lord with her whole heart and lived her faith out loud — through kindness, hospitality, and a sense of humor that could brighten even the hardest days.

Pam was preceded in death by her father and stepmother Douglas & Nel Thompson, her mother Geraldine Thompson, and her sister Paula (Thompson) Britcher. We know there was one joyful, loud reunion in heaven.

She leaves behind her beloved husband Duane Crawford, who loved her fiercely and endlessly, and her children, each with their families whom she adored:

• Amy Neuman & Lisa Landerschier

Children: Emily, Sydney, and Tom Pawelski

• Shane & Kim Crawford

Children: Jake and Marissa

• Erin & William Meade

Children: Kent & Taylor Maybank (great-granddaughters Maddie & Reese), Storm Maybank, Abigail & Cody Simmering (great-granddaughter Amelia)

• Derrick & Stacy Schultz

Children: Isabel, Cuyler, and Corbin

• Summer Neuman

Children: Shaelinn, Aleah, and Trentin Hickey

• Cody Crawford & Ian Coffin

Pam is also survived by her sisters Susan Thompson and Sally (Ron) Kadlec; nieces Karen (Larry) Areaux and Anna (Mike Koerber)Britcher; nephews Shawn (Meaghan) Larson, John (Alicia) Britcher, and Jeffrey (Amber) Britcher; great-niece Olivia Britcher; and great-nephews Cory and Chad and Cameron.

Pam also held a special place in her heart for the Crawford family who welcomed her with open arms—her late in-laws Betty and Lewis Crawford, her sisters-in-law Barb(Bill) Vogt, Tammie (Mike) Mattish, Connie (Clay) Spragg, and Karen (Mark) Mellingen, and her brothers-in-law Lewis(Cathy), Bob (Cathy), and Allan. Over the years, Pam became “Aunt Pam” to a whole crew of Crawford nieces, nephews, and more great-nieces and great-nephews than anyone could possibly count. She loved them all fiercely, celebrated their milestones, and never missed a chance to brag about them.

Pam’s legacy lives on in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy, pride, and stories to brag about. She will be remembered for her enormous heart, her generosity, her humor, her stubborn determination, her faith, and her gift for loving people exactly where they were. She made the world brighter — and definitely funnier.

Pam was cremated by Livingston Cremation & Funeral Care, and per her wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Instead, the family will be hosting a “Day at the Lake” — one of Pam’s favorite places to paddle board and laugh with her beloved sisters-in-law. Details will be shared at a later date so friends and family can gather to celebrate her beautiful life in true Pam style.

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