Pamela Louise McCann-Clay
Pamela Louise McCann-Clay, 82, affectionately known as Pam to her friends and family, passed away peacefully among her family on Saturday, August 10, 2024, under the care of Caring Hearts & Hands in Columbia, Missouri. Born on May 3, 1942, in the family home in rural Cuba, Missouri, to Marvin and Kathryn (Thurmond) Libhart. Pam’s life was a tapestry of love, dedication, and joy that touched all who knew her.
Pam’s early years were spent near the close-knit community of Cuba, Missouri, where she attended local schools and graduated from Cuba High School in 1960. Her education laid the foundation for a life of service and commitment to others. On July 27, 1963, Pam married the love of her life, Tom McCann, and together they welcomed their oldest son, Mike while still living in Cuba. They moved to St. Louis where five years later they had their second son, Matt. Matt was born 3 months early and spent the first 3 months of his life in the NICU. After 15 more years, they welcomed their youngest son, Mitch. They remained in St. Louis where Pam not only raised her family but also embarked on a fulfilling career.
Throughout her life, Pam held various roles that showcased her versatility and compassion. She worked as a secretary with Beckman Bros. and later found a calling as a teaching aide for the mentally disabled in local schools. Pam’s nurturing spirit shone through in her work, leaving a lasting impact on those she helped. She spent many years employed with the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) in the office of undergraduate studies, before retiring in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and hard work.
Pam’s life was marked by love and resilience. After the passing of her first husband, Tom, in 1991, she found love again and married Bob Clay in September of 2003. Though Bob passed away in 2013, Pam’s strength and capacity for love never wavered.
Her interests were as vibrant as her personality. Pam loved to dance and was an active member of a square dance club, where she found joy in the rhythm and companionship. She had a passion for traveling and enjoyed the excitement of casino visits. However, it was her family that brought her the most joy. Pam was a devoted mother and grandmother, often traveling great distances to support her sons in their slow-pitch softball games and cherishing every moment spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Road trips back to Cuba with her grandchildren, with “Mountain Music” by Alabama playing, became cherished memories that will be held dear by her family.
Pam’s legacy is one of unwavering love and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasurers. Her presence was a comforting constant in the lives of those she loved, and her absence will be deeply felt.
Pam is survived by her sons: Mike McCann and wife, Karen of Jefferson City, MO, Matt McCann and wife, Chrissy of Fulton, MO, Mitch McCann and wife, Katie of O’Fallon, MO; 7 grandchildren: Nikki Luetkemeyer and husband, Tyler of Freeburg, MO, Garet McCann of Frankenstein, MO, Brittany Williams and husband, DeWayne of Warrensburg, MO, Kyle Puent of Jefferson City, MO, Eli McCann of Fulton, MO, Isaac McCann of Centralia, MO, and Skylar Cuesta of Fulton, MO; 5 great grandchildren: Jaidyn, Ambrose, Kaidence, Kennon, and Klay; her stepchildren: Sherry Clay, Rick Clay and wife, Colleen, Sheila Crocker and husband, Gene all of St. Peters, MO, and Randy Clay and wife, Mary of St. Charles, MO; her siblings: Darlene Hensley of Eureka, MO, and Don Libhart and wife, Jane of Cuba, MO; and numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Tom McCann; second husband, Bob Clay; her parents, Marvin & Kathryn Libhart; and a brother, Jim Libhart.
Services will be 1:00 PM, Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO. Burial will follow at Crow Cemetery, Sullivan.
Visitation will be 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the funeral home prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be given in Pam’s memory to Caring Hearts & Hands of Columbia, MO.
Friends may share condolences online with Pam’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.