CENTURY, Fla. – Pamela Henderson Mathis, 62, of Century, Fla. passed away at 5 p.m. March 28, 2013, at her home in Century, Fla. surrounded by her family.

Pamela was born in Atmore on June 18, 1950, to Vivian “Red” Henderson and Annie Mae Henderson.

She was a lifelong resident of Century and graduated from Century High School in 1968.

Despite a disability caused by childhood polio, she went on to become an educator for 32 years, earn a Masters’ Degree in history and a Specialist Degree in education.  She was the first teacher in Escambia County Florida to earn a National Teaching Certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. She retired from education as principal of Ernest Ward Middle School.  She loved showing and riding horses, traveling with her daughter to rodeos, fishing, watching movies and taking trips with her family, and her best friend Joy. In the final chapter of her life, she was comforted by her dear Jack Russell Terrier, Bailey.

Her parents, Red and Annie Mae Henderson and her brothers, Robert “Bobby” Henderson and Don Henderson preceded her in death.

Survivors include her high school sweetheart and husband of 42 years, James “Dooley” Mathis; daughter, Pamela (Bob) Evans; sister, Sue (Wayne) Johnson; and brother, Tommy Henderson.

A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate her life at 6 p.m. on April 5, 2013, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 S. Hwy 29, Cantonment, Fla. 32533. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Peter Bercz and Dr. Alfano-Torres of Sacred Heart Hospital; Darryl Lapointe of Homewood Suites in Pensacola, Fla.; Dr. Bascom Raney’s office, Century Pharmacy; and Covenant Hospice, for their compassionate care and support.