Pamela (Kusturin) Pardun Obituary

Pamela Sue Pardun, a woman whose bright spirit and loving heart touched all who knew her, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 13th, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was 60 years young. Born on August 29, 1964, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Pamela was the daughter of Patricia Turner and Paul Kusturin (deceased), though it was her grandmother, Dorthy Thorpe, who truly raised and nurtured her with unwavering love.

Pamela’s greatest joy and purpose in life was her family. She was a devoted and loving mother to Melissa Martin of Maumelle and Robert Martin of North Little Rock. She took immense pride in her role as “Grandma,” cherishing every moment with her ten beloved grandchildren: Aria, Alex Martin, Christopher Martin, Jesse and Brianna Garner, K’aletta, Jayle and Jeffrey Martin Jr., Alona Snyder, and Troy Butterfield.

She is preceded in death by her beloved son, Jeffrey Martin; her husband, Terry Pardun; and her grandmother and guiding light, Dorthy Thorpe.

Pamela is survived by her sister, Paula Henry (late husband James), her brother, John Kusturin, and her uncle, James Thorpe, who was raised alongside her like a brother. She also leaves behind her dear niece, Kadie Henry, and nephew, Brad Henry.

Pamela shared a lifelong bond with her best friend and the godmother to her children, Rhonda Stewart — a connection full of unconditional love, shared memories, and unwavering support.

While Pamela worked professionally in bookkeeping, her true life’s work was found in building a warm, intentional, and loving home. Her meals became traditions, her laughter was the background music of family gatherings, and her sense of care and order made everyone around her feel safe and valued. She had a love for exploring nature’s beauty, and a deep curiosity about the world — especially the parts still wild and waiting to be seen.

Pamela will be remembered for her radiant personality, her fierce love for her family, and the lasting values she instilled in those closest to her. Her “babies” — her children and grandchildren — were the center of her world, and her love for them was constant, fierce, and true.

Pamela was wonderfully particular. She had a reason for everything—even if you didn’t understand it at the time. Whether it was how she grouped spices (not alphabetically, but by flavor profile and frequency of use) or how she folded towels just so, her ways reflected intention and experience. Many of us now find ourselves doing those same things—catching the moment and smiling: “I got that from Mom.”

She didn’t lecture. She guided. With a look, a pause, or a moment of silence that said more than words ever could. Her corrections weren’t loud, but they were lasting. Her pride was quiet, but it shaped generations.

She had a quirky charm that made even small things feel special. She could spend two hours in the Hallmark aisle searching for the exact right card, because it wasn’t about buying something — it was about meaning something. And that was Pamela in a nutshell: deeply heartfelt, fiercely thoughtful, and always putting care into the little things that made people feel seen and loved.

Even through hurt and hardship, she chose grace. She didn’t let life’s disappointments harden her heart. She protected it more with time, sure — but she never stopped caring. Never stopped showing up. Her love was steady, and when she gave it, it was her whole self.

Pamela’s impact lives on in the lives she shaped and touched. We carry her with us in the quiet lessons, in the meals we cook, the values we hold, and the ways we love and forgive. She was a force — not loud, but enduring.

As we celebrate her life, we remember her not only for what she gave, but for how she gave it: with pride, with care, and with unmatched strength. We honor her now by doing the same — by being intentional, loving deeply but wisely, and leaving things a little better than we found them.

We love you, Pamela. We thank you. And we will never forget you.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com