of Jonesboro, AR

January 21, 1949 - May 23, 2021

Pamela Kaye Burnett Garofas, of Jonesboro, AR, and formerly of West Helena, AR passed away on May 23, 2021, at the age of 72.

Pam is survived by her daughters, Kara Garofas Newingham, her husband Larry Newingham of Lake Charles, LA and Kate Garofas Zachary, her husband Constantine "Dean" Zachary of Jonesboro, AR; her grandchildren Madelyn and Garret Newingham; three sisters Paula Ollar, Joan Herrmann, her late husband Dan Herrmann, and Jill Finley, her husband Tony, and one brother Craig Burnett, his wife Dee Burnett; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews that she loved dearly.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, John Paul Garofas; parents, Paul and Beulah Burnett; and brother, Paul Jay Burnett all of Malvern, AR.
Pam graduated in 1967 from Malvern High School and obtained a BSE in elementary education from the State College of Arkansas, now UCA in Conway. Pam taught 26 years at Beech Crest Elementary in West Helena. She had a strong faith in God and was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church.

After her retirement from the public-school system, she attended Phillips College of the University of Arkansas and completed hospitality courses. Pam was the Manager of the Arkansas Welcome Center at Helena-West Helena for 15 years and enjoyed a second retirement in 2014. She had a passion for helping others while promoting tourism in Arkansas especially the Delta region. She also enjoyed welcoming riverboat tourists visiting the area. Pam was often complemented on her special ability to read an Arkansas map upside down.

She loved being a "Yia-Yia" to her grandchildren and spoiled her grand-dogs, Noah, Sophia, Boo, and the late Britney, her beloved Bassett. Pam enjoyed watching and calling the Hogs. One of her favorite memories was sitting in Tiger Stadium as the Arkansas Razorbacks battled for the Golden Boot in November 2007. The game went into three overtimes beating the LSU Tigers. She was giddy after the much-deserved victory.

Pam was always proud of her daughters or as she called them her "girls" and was their number one supporter. She treasured her friendships from the Current Topic Club and missed them
dearly after she moved to Jonesboro.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to, Dr. Pranab Das of Memphis, TN, for his devoted care, skill, and friendship; to her infusion nurse, Stephanie Patterson, for her loving care of our Mother during difficult times. Also, special thanks to Kate and Dean for their committed daily caregiving.

Funeral services to celebrate Pam's life will be held in Helena, AR, at St. John's Episcopal Church on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., followed by burial at Maple Hill Cemetery. Friends and family are asked to follow COVID protocols by wearing a mask while socially distancing.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the following: Meals on Wheels for Helena-West Helena Dogs, 622 Pecan Street, Helena, AR, 72342; American Heart Association, heart.org; or to St.
John's Episcopal Church, 625 Pecan St., Helena, AR, 72342.

Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com