Pamela Parry

Dr. Pamela Ann Parry, 62, of Jackson, MO, passed away on February 4, 2025. She was born on December 5, 1962, to Myron and Ann (Glover) Parry in Rolla, MO. She was a professor of Mass Media at Southeast Missouri State University and a member of Fruitland Community Church. Survivors include Mike (Grace) Parry, Jackson, MO; Bob (Mindy) Parry, Bakersfield, CA; Sue Parry, West Lafayette, IN; and Jim Parry, Cape Girardeau, MO. Nieces and nephews include: Bethany (Travis) Bell and Tori (Clayton) Tinsley; Christy (Zach) Crandall; Katie, Andrew, and Bennett McRoberts; CJ (Lora) Parry and Chance Box. Grand nieces and nephews include: Lincoln and Alice Bell; Rylee, Ellie, and Baby Crandall; and Nate Tinsley. She was preceded in death by her parents. Pam earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia, her Master’s of Arts in Communication from American University, her Master’s in Religious Education from Midwest Theological Seminary, and her PhD in Mass Communication Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi. She had a decade-long career as a reporter covering Baptist news in Missouri, Maryland, and Delaware, as well as the U.S. Congress, White House, and the Supreme Court during the Bush and Clinton administrations. Pam wrote for the McLaughlin group as well as the Baltimore Sun. Recently, she spent four years as the American Journalism History Journal editor. However, Pam is best known for her extensive research on President Eisenhower. She was most proud of her research and publication concerning the contributions of women and minorities in communication and public relations. Pam began her teaching career in 1997, following in her father’s footsteps. She viewed her teaching as coaching students to love learning, research, and writing at multiple higher educational institutions. She started the “Ann Parry Scholarship of Engaged Citizenship” at SEMO in honor of her mother’s love of children and education. Pam was an avid sports fan who loved playing softball and basketball, golf, tennis, and pickleball later in life. She ministered to widows in her local church and served alongside her brother at the Fruitland Community Church. Pam had a fierce love of students, friends, and family. The greatest joy of her life was her nieces and nephews. Dr. Cool Aunt Pam left a legacy of hard work, tenacity, kindness, generosity, and laughter to all who knew her. Visitation is Friday, February 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau, MO. Funeral service will follow at noon on February 14, 2025, with Rev. Mike Parry officiating. The burial service will be at Rolla City Cemetery in Rolla, MO, on February 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the “Ann Parry Scholarship of Engaged Citizenship” at SEMO: www.semo.edu/giving (Designation: other, in honor of Pam Parry). Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Pamela Parry

December 5, 1962 - February 4, 2025