Pamela Louise Hardy

Pamela Louise Hardy, age 65, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 6, 2026. She passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by the family and friends who meant the world to her, following a courageous and lengthy battle with ALS.

In a beautiful testament to God’s timing, Pam met the love of her life, Dodge (James Hardy), at church. They were married on November 20, 1982, and shared 43 years of deep love and joy. After the heartbreak of several miscarriages, they were blessed in 1987 with their son, Austin David Hardy. In 1994, they adopted another son, Angel Morales Hardy.

Born to Clayton Frank Merrill and Beverly Louise Lundal, Pam was raised in Glenview, Illinois. It was there that she established a lasting circle of friendship with seven remarkable women—a bond that remains unbroken today. Pam moved to Florida during her senior year of high school, a move that would shape the rest of her life. She went on to graduate from Florida State University, beginning a distinguished 35-year career in education. Through her work in the classroom, she touched thousands of lives with her wisdom, patience, care, and love. She served as the administrator of Lighthouse Christian Academy, a private school in Pompano Beach, Florida, for eight years. In 2007, Pam and her family moved to the Florida Panhandle, where she continued working in elementary education until her retirement.

Pam’s life was defined by her unwavering faith. She loved Jesus Christ and devoted her every breath to sharing His grace with others. Her family and friends often remarked that “Heaven will be more crowded because of her life,” as she made it her mission to ensure that everyone she met felt the warmth of God’s love. She was a faithful member of The Sanctuary Pentecostals of Marianna Church, where she served in various ministry areas over the last 20 years.

Attempting to capture the essence of Pam’s life and the depth of her influence in a few short paragraphs is an impossible task; her legacy simply reaches too far. Pam was known for her magnetic and outgoing personality that could light up any room. She was always ready for a party and found joy in the simple, beautiful things in life. Her favorite days were spent painting, gardening, swimming in the Chipola River, thrifting for little treasures, and sharing a great cup of coffee.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, her brother David Merrill, and her son, Angel. Her memory will be cherished by her devoted husband, Dodge; her son, Austin, and his wife, Yamilee, of Tallahassee; her daughter, Christina Nathan, and her husband, Bruce, of Palm City. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kenna Adkins, Livia Nathan, and Kya Nathan; her brother, Mark Clayton Merrill, of Pompano Beach; and a vast community of relatives and friends who will deeply miss her vibrant spirit.

Dodge would like to extend special thanks to Emerald Coast Hospice, as well as Latar “T” Thomas and Kelly Hedrick, who served Pam at the end of her life with unwavering love and support. Their care, along with the love of Lee, Becka, Dawson, and Kinsey Windsor—who became dear family to Pam in her final chapter—will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 9, at 12:00 p.m., followed immediately by the service at The Sanctuary Pentecostals of Marianna Church, located at 4070 Old Cottondale Rd., Marianna, FL, with Rev. Allen Biggs officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sanctuary Pentecostals of Marianna Church Youth Fund.