Pamela Shockley

Pamela Young Shockley passed away on May 4, 2021, just a few weeks short of her 91st birthday, surrounded by her children, who kept an unwavering vigil at her bedside, until God called her Home.  She was born on May 28, 1930 in Laredo, to Paul H. Young and Estela Martinez Young.  Pam’s childhood was spent in Old Downtown Laredo with her older sister and younger brother.   She was a beautiful, fun-loving person, always quick with a joke and a laugh.  After finishing high school in Laredo, Pam graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. It was in Missouri, where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Shockley, a tall handsome basketball player at the University of Missouri.  Pam and Kenneth were soon married in 1950, and moved to Laredo, and then ultimately to the family ranch, where they spent their life together.  “Pammy” and “Ken,” as they called each other, wasted no time in starting their family and were the parents of six equally beautiful and wonderful children; Brenda, Kenny, Clark, Jenny, Georgina, and Brian.

Pam thoroughly enjoyed life on the ranch, where they raised their family with all her relatives, who also lived on the ranch.  Life in those times can best be described as a bustle of activity, filled with children, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, friends, and pets.  Many summers were not complete without a family trip, which often included visiting relatives in Missouri.  At the ranch, Pam found herself usually the center of attention and the life of family gatherings and parties.  The famed ‘Barn’ was the site of so many gatherings and celebrations for all the families, and she could often be found decorating and planning for the next big event.

Later in her life and after the death of her beloved husband, Pam moved to Austin, where she continued to be a large presence in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed her church, poetry, and traveling to Mexico, New York, Spain, and Hawaii.  But mostly, she enjoyed spending time with her treasured family.    A beautiful person inside and out, Pam will be missed by the many who knew her.

She was preceded in death by both her beloved husband, Kenneth Orland Shockley; both her parents, Paul and Estela Young; her sister, Patty Young Zuniga; and several aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her children, Brenda C, Gardner of Cedar Creek; Kenneth P. Shockley and wife Amparo of Barcelona, Spain; Clark J. Shockley and wife Georgeann of Bastrop; Jennifer L.  and husband Robert Ham of Georgetown; Georgina D. Shockley of Austin; and Brian E. Shockley and wife Lori of Austin; her brother, Paul H. Young Jr. of Laredo; her 12 grandchildren, Kenneth, Jonathan, Heather, Annabelle, David, Clover, Jennifer, Stephanie, Hannah, Jeremy, Crystal, and Timothy; and her 17 great-grandchildren; numerous extended family and dear friends.

Pam will be laid to rest at Austin Memorial Park, Saturday, May 8th at 9:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at Covenant United Methodist Church of Austin, with her niece, the Reverend, Stella Burkhalter presiding.

Flowers may be sent to Elgin Funeral Home.  Memorial Contributions may be made in her Honor to Meals on Wheels, Alzheimer’s Foundation, and/or Hospice Austin.

Pam’s children wish to thank all their family and friends for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time, as they honor the life of their mother.