Pamela Gwen (Helton) Fletcher, age 69, passed away at her home on Jan. 1, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 12, 1956, in Houston, Missouri, to Luther and Maxine (Hildebrand) Helton.
Pam lived in the Plato area her entire life. She was a graduate of Plato School in 1974. After graduation, she married and began her family. Pam was a very hard worker throughout her life. As she was raising her children, she worked at the Lee Factory, Donut Shop and Dairy Barn simultaneously. When her children were in grade school, she began a long career at Plato School. She drove a school bus and worked as a cook while also attending college classes. In the year 2000, after many years of working and going to school, Pam was able to attain her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. This started a 20-year long teaching career at Plato School that consisted of her teaching second grade, fourth grade, Title 1 reading and ending with elementary art. She retired from Plato School in 2021 and went on to substitute teach at Success School until 2023 when she decided to fully retire to take care of her family.
Throughout the years, Pam was a volunteer for many organizations. She kept score at many Plato ball games, helped the Citizens Center by calling bingo and being part of the fair breakfast team, and keeping track of the auction at the Lions Club deer hunters fish fry. There was never anyone or anything that Pam would say no to. She had a helpful hand for anyone in need, an open door for people to stay and was always willing to help families with child care when needed.
Above all, it was her family that she was most proud of. Pam was involved in every aspect of her children and grandchildren’s lives. Their accomplishments were also hers. From their first steps, first words, winning ball games, graduations, weddings and careers, she was always finding a way to brag about them.
Pam is preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Maxine, and her little brother, John.
She is survived by her three children, Monique Fletcher, Natalin Fletcher and Clinton Fletcher (wife Denise); three grandchildren, Tenasia Flippin (Husband Wyatt), Gunner Fletcher and Avarie Fletcher; two sisters, Marsha Richards and Theresa Ryan; four nieces and nephews, seven great nieces and nephews, one great niece and many others that she claimed as her own.
At this time, we would like to recognize the following women in Pam’s life. Some helped raise her, some helped support her, but all stood by her throughout her entire life.
Mabel Steward, Loretta Helton, Marsha Richards, Theresa Ryan, Mary Hildebrand, Diana Atterberry and Debbie Lewis.
Everyone is welcome to attend a graveside service at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Palace Cemetery, with Mike Hutsell officiating. Following the service, a lunch will be served at Roby Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, Pam wanted donations to be made to Palace Cemetery. However, if you would like to send flowers, they may be delivered to Roby Christian Church the morning of the service.
Arrangements are under the direction of Evans Funeral Home of Houston. Online condolences may be left at www.evansfh.com.