On September 19,2026, Pamela Lynn Berry (nee Pritchett) took her final bow at 7:48 A. M. , surrounded by her son Mathew Hummel and sister Phyllis Zimmerman. Pam was born on November 15th, 1956 to Paul D. Pritchett and Patsy L. Crafton (Reed) who preceded her in death. She was a loving granddaughter to Mathew and Villa Reed, also deceased, whom she loved spending time with and had a special relationship with her Grandmother Villa.
Pam was the widow of Daniel J Berry and former wife of Keith Hummel Sr. She leaves behind 4 children Keith Hummel Jr (Lisa) Mathew Hummel, Joseph Hummel (Anna Himmelman) and Anna Conger (James). Three grandchildren, Katie Hummel, Raymond and Evan Conger, 1 sister Phyllis Zimmerman, 2 uncles, 2 stepsons, numerous step grandchildren, cousins, 2 nieces and friends.
Pam’s life was a journey of challenges and resilience. Though she faced personal struggles, she never lost her deep love for her children. She had a gift for making people laugh, even in difficult times, and a heart that cared deeply for those around her. Pam’s story reminds us that every life holds both hardship and hope and despite her struggles, Pam had moments of great kindness, creativity, and generosity. She faced her struggles with a brave face but a broken heart. Before her passing she told me, her sister, that she only hopes her children knew how much she truly loved them and that she had many regrets that she hoped she would be forgiven for, not by God but by the 4 that meant the most to her.
Pam faced her last years with courage as she battled dialysis and kidney disease and a fall early spring requiring the last months in rehab or the hospital due to other health factors. Not being able to recover from the initial injury gave her further health complications, that in the end could not be cured and which caused those last months to be filled with physical pain, uncertainty and regrets so deep that she hoped the outcome would be different to give her more time to fix those regrets.
Pam faced the word hospice with fear thinking she would die alone, and I promised she would have Matt and I by her side. With great dignity and the moment the caring staff at Mercy South asked, Are you ready? Pam confirmed her decision, and she bravely faced the outcome without tears just a quiver of her chin and a nod. Saying goodbye was extremely hard which she tried to lighten the mood and ask if we needed her to bring any messages to loved ones long past, of course, I had a long list, but the 3 of us had a little chuckle.
I will miss my daily talks with my sister and I hope she knows how much I loved her and wished her life’s journey would not have been so hard and as she took those last breaths, I prayed that her afterlife would be filled with joy and true happiness, an eternity without pain or regrets and as she took that final breath I knew she was pain free and at peace. Her last wish was for me to remind her children how much she truly loved them, how proud she was of each of them, and her hope was for the 4 of them would have wonderful lives and remember some of the good times with love, and lastly to forgive her.
Final resting place with be at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis MO alongside of Daniel J Berry. A celebration of life will be held privately at a later date.
