Pamella Trent Keyser

Pamella Trent Keyser, 92, died May 12, 2021 in Beckley, following a full, loving life. She was born June 19,1928 in Marlinton, WV, the daughter of Tom Watson and Gertrude Overholt Trent. The family lived in Williamson, WV and Richlands, VA prior to settling in Beckley in 1944. Pam graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1945. She then attended Concord College, graduating in 1949 with a BS in education. She met the love of her life, her husband, Tom, while on a double date with his close friend, E. D. Armstrong. They were married in 1951 and shared nearly 60 joyful years together until Tom passed in 2010.

Pam taught school for several years prior to the birth of her first child. Her most important roles in life were wife, mother and friend. She was a homemaker par excellence. There was always something good to eat and fresh flowers or greenery were always in evidence at her house. She loved beautiful things, particularly if they were hand-crafted and from local craftsmen and she always marveled at the artistry and effort that went into making things. Flower arranging was a particular interest and talent. She was a member of the Phymosa Garden Club for many years and enjoyed sharing her passion for flower arranging, often teaching classes there. Her arrangements frequently won first place in competitions and her flower-arranging skills were often called upon by friends and community organizations for special occasions. She took pride in brightening a room with her flowers or a smile and kind word.

She did the flowers for the sanctuary at the Beckley Presbyterian Church for much of her adult life. She and Tom were long-time members and she participated in many aspects of church life and was a devoted member of the Beckley Presbyterian community.

Pam was a talented athlete, excelling in all athletic endeavors, which she attributed to growing up with two brothers. She often said she had to compete or be left out. Tennis was her sport of choice and she and Tom spent many happy hours playing with each other and with friends at the Black Knight.

Pam was unfailingly friendly and greeted everyone with a smile and a warm welcome. She had many friends throughout her life and treasured and nurtured these friendships which were so important to her. She particularly enjoyed her regular outings with many close friends in the "lunch bunch." She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; older brother, Todd Trent, his wife Irma and their son, Todd; twin brother, Meredith and sister-in-law, Mary Lou McShane. She is survived by her children, Sandy, Jacksonville, FL and John, Beckley; grandson Chris and his wife Erin of Jacksonville, and their children, Lila and Jack; grandson Ben of Manhattan, NY; sister-in-law, Ethelene Trent of Beckley, WV; brother-in-law William McShane, Glasgow KY; and several nieces and nephews. During this last difficult year, good friends Barbara Daniel and Peggy White provided invaluable support and friendship. Ellen Combs' caregiving allowed Pam to stay in her own house until these last few weeks and is so much appreciated.

Services will be held at 2:00 PM at Calfee Funeral Home at 800 S. Oakwood Ave, Beckley, WV 25801 on Wednesday, May 19. There will be one hour for visitation starting at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beckley Presbyterian Church, or the Beckley Area Foundation.


Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home.