With Thanksgiving for the Life of 

Pamela Elaine Carlson

July 11, 1960 - February 24, 2025

Pam peacefully passed from this life with her husband, Terry, at her bedside. Terry and Pam were devoted to each other throughout their 40 year marriage.

Pam was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Janette and Grady Rudolph Smith. The family moved to Utah, then to Virginia and finally to Gaithersburg, MD in 1970. Pam graduated from University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus in 1985 and returned to Gaithersburg to wed Terrence Niles Carlson and begin family. 

Pam is the mother of Carolyn Christine Carlson (Daniel) Ramsden, currently residing in League City, TX. and Mark Christian Carlson of Gaithersburg, MD. Pam has three beautiful grandchildren: Joshua Lee Ramsden (age 8), Emilia Grace Ramsden (age 5) and Zachary James Ramsden (age 4).  Pam has sisters Peggy Smith (Tom) Savchik in Troy, NY, and Patricia Smith (Eric) Hughes in Greensboro, GA, sister-in-aw, Sara Carlson (Walt) Horton in Bolivar, OH, and nephew Taylor Martin Hughes in Houston, TX.  Pam is preceded in death by her father, Grady, who is surely welcoming her with open arms. 

Pam was a person of deep faith. She was caring and compassionate -- always finding good in every person or situation she encountered. Pam gave praise and was thankful for each day – despite medical issues and even when pain or circumstances made things difficult. 

Pam was an active member of the Goshen Mills chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She participated in many DAR service projects. Over the years, she served as Corresponding Secretary as well as Chairman of the DAR Service to Veterans Committee. 

Pam was passionate about LIVING her faith. She was an active member of Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years -- serving terms as an Elder on the governing board, being a link in the prayer chain and providing tangible support to others. She found her greatest joy in preparing for worship, preparing meals, distributing books at local jails, or “merely” washing dishes. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, 2:00 pm at Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church (610 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877). All who knew or loved Pam are invited. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in her memory to Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church. We also ask you to honor Pam by doing a random act of kindness each time you think of her – and we hope that is often! 

Of course, we invite you to share condolences and memories, stories, videos and pictures on this dedicated webpage. They will bring joy and comfort to all of us missing Pam’s voice and presence. 

Care entrusted to Thibadeau Mortuary Service, p.a.

124 E. Diamond Avenue

Gaithersburg, MD 20877-5009

(301)495-4950

www.InterFaithFunerals.com