Obituary of Pamela Smith

The family of Pamela Lynn Smith is deeply saddened to announce that on February 12, 2026, Pamela passed from this life into the arms of her Savior. Born on December 28, 1953, to loving parents, Donald Eugene and Barbara Lea (Clifford) Riddle, in Bainbridge, Maryland, Pamela lived a full and remarkable life.

Pam graduated from Iowa City City High School in 1972. Through friends, she was invited to seminary where she was introduced to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. In April of 1971, she met James Andrew Smith at a church dance; both not having yet joined the Church. On their first date, Pam invited Jim to her baptism. Pam was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 4, 1971, followed by Jim on September 25, 1971. The foundation of their lives together was built and centered on their devotion and faith in Jesus Christ. They were united in marriage on June 16, 1973, and sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo, Utah temple on September 17, 1974.

Pam touched the hearts of all whom she met through her community, Jim’s business (Smith Accounting) and her service in the Church. Although she worked alongside her husband at Smith Accounting, her primary devotion was unwavering, focusing her love and energy on her four sons. Years of scrapbooks line her shelves where she carefully crafted pages filled with the faces of those she cared for the most: her family.

With a love for nature, Pam treasured summer trips to national parks and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where she hunted for agates and enjoyed chasing waterfalls. She found joy in birdwatching and passed this love for nature to her boys. The Smith family embraced a life of adventure, prioritizing camping and hiking over amusement parks. When not enjoying the outdoors, she cherished time with her children and grandchildren. In quieter moments, she could often be found reading a good mystery book or solving a puzzle.

As a faithful member of the Church, Pam magnified callings through service in the Relief Society, Young Women’s Organization and Primary. She was blessed to serve with Jim as temple ordinance workers in the Nauvoo Illinois Temple for 15 years. She cherished her opportunities to teach and minister to others and was dedicated to helping others find the same joy in the gospel that she felt, especially for loved ones who had left mortality. Genealogy became a profound journey, filling her life with a quiet sense of peace and purpose.

“Come follow me,” said the Savior, and Pam did. She embodied the Christ-like attributes of patience and long-suffering, turning life’s struggles into a testament of faith. Where others might have faltered, she remained steadfast, anchored in the unwavering love of her Heavenly Father. Her covenant-keeping life was just the beginning; she now continues the work beyond the veil.

She is lovingly remembered by her eternal companion, James Andrew Smith of Iowa City, Iowa; son, Johann James Smith and wife Kari of Iowa City, Iowa; son, Master Gunnery Sergeant Joshua Richard Smith and wife Irma of Havelock, North Carolina; son, Jacob Brigham Smith and wife Marcia of Ankeny, Iowa; son, Justin Andrew Smith and life partner Kat of Portland, Oregon; eleven grandchildren, Simeon (Holly), Corrine (Rodney), Jonas, Ammon, Ian, Rebecca, Audrey, Levi, Adalynn, Hannah and Micah; and one great-granddaughter, Mabel.

A celebration of life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2730 Bradford Dr; Iowa City, IA) on March 7, 2026, with a viewing at 10am and a service at 11am.  In lieu of flowers please address memorials to Jim Smith, and they will be shared with charities important to Pam & Jim.