Pamela Jeanne (Courtney) Clifford was born in Portland, Oregon, on Dec. 28, 1951, to William and Helen Ada Soderstrom Clifford. She was an only child. All her life, Pam resented her birthday’s proximity to Christmas!
Pam attended Portland schools and participated in baton. She loved her mother Helen fiercely and, until her mother’s death in December 2013, they shared a particularly special bond. Their sense of humor was nearly identical and they could pick up right where they left off with laughter.
In 1970, Pam graduated from John Marshall High School with highest honors, 12th in her class of hundreds. She attended dental school and earned a certificate of dentistry.
As the story goes, Pam met Marvin Courtney at a mutual friend’s wedding in Portland. They were married on Oct. 13, 1973, and were married for 42 years. Throughout their marriage, Marvin and Pam operated a dairy farm and later a fryer chicken farm. They raised beef cattle and hogs and, though absolutely not “bill payers,” many, many kitties over the years. Pam was a dental assistant.
Daughters Heather and Erin were born on Nov. 4, 1974, and Nov. 17, 1977, respectively. When “the girls” were young, Pam would read to them every night and the girls would take turns sitting in her “nest” on the couch to listen to the stories. Pam was a gifted reader and the voices she gave the characters were so cute. These are some of their favorite childhood memories. Heather and Erin nicknamed their mom “Mouse” when they were very young. Over the years, Pam finally embraced it, especially when she became “Gramma Mouse.” She loved babies! Our mom was compassionate, kind, loving, considerate and generous. She enjoyed buying thoughtful gifts. Her sense of humor was unique and odd! She loved her children, their spouses and her grandchildren with all her heart and shared the same depth of love for her good friends.
Nearly all of Pam’s career as a dental assistant was in the Twin Cities. She started with Dr. Henricksen, worked for Dr. Wohlers and finished her career with Dr. Ash and Dr. Roberts in Centralia. She took pride in her work and loved laughing and joking with the dentists, patients and coworkers.
Pam loved music, television and movies and playing dominoes with the “Dominoes Divas” on Wednesdays. She enjoyed annual trips to Mexico with family and friends. She credits her mother-in-law, Amy Courtney, for bringing her to know Jesus and become a Christian. Pam accepted the Lord as her Savior in May 1980. She had been praying about the decision and asked God for a sign. The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens sealed the deal! Being a Christian doesn’t mean being perfect; Pam listened to Christian music, but her fondness of rock-and-roll music remained one of the most fun and surprising things about her. We enjoyed spending time listening to Led Zeppelin, Def Leppard and (this is the most shocking) AC/DC with her. She loved fantasy and science fiction and her family doesn’t. Inevitably, we would “get to” watch the most recent Star Trek, Star Wars (not bad), Lord of the Rings or Avatar movie for her birthday. She absolutely hated sad movies. The night before her passing, she watched a lighthearted show on the Hallmark Channel.
Her passing was sudden and merciful. She was diagnosed with a sinus infection but head and ear pain became too intense, and she had a CAT scan at the hospital. Her melanoma had spread to eight different areas of her body, including her brain, stomach and chest. Just three days later, on April 24, surrounded by her girls, their husbands and granddaughter, Pam spent her final hours. Immediately upon her passing, she appeared peaceful. Although we would have liked to have more time, God took her so she wouldn’t suffer long. God is good! All the time.
Pam was preceded in death by her father and mother. She is survived by her stepfather, Charles Barker (Cheryl); daughters, Heather Courtney Pinkerton (Jeff) and Erin Christine Jones (Chris); grandson, Collin Foister; granddaughter, Courtney Pinkerton; and great-granddaughter, Anna Sophia Foister.
A service and reception will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 17, at Grace Church, 1866 S. Market in Chehalis. A private burial will take place afterward.
Pam loved babies! In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Pam’s name to Possibilities Women’s Center in Centralia at www.findmypossibilities.com.
Our family appreciates the overwhelming love and support you shared with us and our lovely mother. God Bless you.
