With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Pamela Ward, 48, formerly of Lane, SC, wife of Frederick Ward, SC, who passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

The family is receiving friends and family at 525 Broomstraw Road, Lane, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292 .

Celebrating the Life and Legacy

On December 7, 2025 Pamela Shawnta Burgess Ward was called from earth to Heaven's reward. She was born in Manning, South Carolina on October 17, 1977 to Ranie and Daisy Burgess.

At an early age Pamela joined Antioch Baptist Church where she served on the youth usher board. She later joined Shiloh Baptist Church, McDonough, Georgia.

A 1995 graduate of C. E. Murray High School, Pamela earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education in 1999 from South Carolina State University, a Master of Education in Educational Administration in 2004 from The Citadel, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership in 2006 from South  Carolina State University.

Pamela served over 25 years in the field of education, starting her teaching career in 1999 in Dillon County. In 2000, Pamela became the Band Director at Kingstree Junior High School and Assistant Band Director at Kingstree Senior High School. In 2003 she served as the Fine Arts Department Chair until 2005, and also served as the Athletic Director for Kingstree Junior High from 2002-2005. From 2005 to 2008, Pamela served as Band Director/Instructor for North Clayton Middle School, where she organized and conducted the symphonic band, arranged and transcribed music and served as a member of the leadership team. From 2008 - 2017, Pamela served as Connections Department Chair and Band Director, Summer School Administrator and Assessment Contact at Henry County Middle School. At Henry County Middle, Pamela supervised the music program, designed and implemented a Music Technology course, and organized and conducted the Concert Band. In the academic year of 2014-2015, Pamela was named the Teacher of the Year for Henry County Middle School. From 2017 - 2019,  Pamela served as the Personalized Learning Lead and Assessment Contact for Henry County Middle School. She served as the point of contact between the district and the school to personalize learning. She led the planning, implementation and evaluation of the continuous improvement process. In 2019, Pamela stepped into her passion for the fine arts and was chosen to serve as the Fine Arts Coordinator for Henry County School District, a role and career she cherished. In 2020, Pam was proudly honored with the Superintendent's "Game Ball" award for her incredible dedication to children and the fine arts community.

Throughout her career, Pamela participated in various leadership training opportunities, presented at various professional conferences and served as a mentor to numerous educators. She was  a staunch advocate for the promotion and integration of fine arts and  the educational  development of the students she served.

In her own words:

"A Fine Arts education is an integral part of any student's education.  Arts education is one that encompasses the disciplines of  music, dance, theatre and visual arts, which is a part of the cultural heritage of every American. There is sufficient research that overwhelmingly supports the belief that studying and participation in Fine Arts improves overall academic achievement in all content areas.  Participation in a Fine Arts program provides students with non-academic benefits such as aesthetic awareness, promotes self-esteem, cultural exposure, and fosters creativity." ~ Pamela Burgess-Ward

Pamela's unwavering dedication for promoting Fine Arts in Education touched and inspired everyone around her.

Pamela was a devoted traveler and a true adventurer at heart. Pamela reminded us that the world is meant to be explored and cherished.

A loving mother to Kameron and Bryce, Pamela poured her whole heart into loving her two children. Her love for her children was boundless, steady, selfless, and unconditional. It was the kind of love that shaped their lives and will continue to guide them always.

Pamela is survived by her husband, Frederick Ward; loving children and bonus child, Kameron Gorham, Bryce Gorham and Gabrielle Ward; her parents, Ranie and Daisy Burgess; seven siblings: Rodney Burgess, Rainette (Ronnie) Newell, Anthony (Carolyn) Burgess, Donna (Darryl) Huger, Valencia McKnight, Tonya Burgess and Shedrick Burgess; a loving mother-in-law, Geraldine Ward; two brothers-in-law, Eric Ward and Barry Hill; one sister-in-law, Gwen Ward; five aunts: Dorthy Felder, Johnnie Mae Hudson, Fannie Benbow, Nora Benbow and Pamela Benbow; two uncles, John Benbow and Henry (Rochelle) Benbow; a host of nieces, nephews, her many Benbow and Burgess cousins, and many friends she considered family.

Whether connected through biology or loving kindness, Pamela always put her family first and she will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing to know her.