Pamela Crawford Hand

On December 8, 2017, as snow fell outside and surrounded by her loving earthly family, Pamela Crawford Hand (59 years old) peacefully passed away into the warm loving embrace of her heavenly father. After a courageous 4 ½ year illness journey, she is free of pain and enjoying a magnificent and indescribable family reunion in heaven.
Born in Gastonia, North Carolina to the late Robert C. Crawford and Louise Prince Crawford, she is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Steven A. Hand. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Rachel Richards (Chris) of Columbia, SC, her sons Brian Hand (Amy) of Asheville, NC, and Robert Hand (Ana) of Taylors, SC; sister, Susan Spongberg (Scott) of Greer, SC, sister-in-law Cynthia Hand Neely (Bob) of Houston, Texas; stepmother, Fran Barlow Crawford of Taylors, SC; cousins, Bruce Moss (Janet) of Saline, Michigan, Lamar Long of Gastonia, NC and Cathy Branham of Gastonia, NC; nieces, Michelle Spongberg Bailey of Greenville, SC, Nora Neely of Murcia, Spain; nephews Matt Spongberg and Luke Spongberg of Greenville, SC and Robert Neely Jr. of Houston, Texas; and six adorable grandchildren, Alexander and Brynlee Hand of Asheville, NC, Tinley and Edie Richards of Columbia, SC, Samuel and James Hand of Taylors, SC.
After graduating from Wade Hampton High School, she completed degrees from Greenville Technical College (Associates – Optometric Technology), University of South Carolina – Spartanburg (Bachelors – Elementary Education), University of South Carolina – Columbia (Masters – Interdisciplinary Master of Arts/Science Education) completing all programs Magna Cum Laude. She taught for 22 ½ years for the School District of Greenville County as a 4th grade teacher, science lab teacher and 6th grade science teacher. She taught with distinction and won Teacher of the Year honors at Simpsonville Elementary, Oakview Elementary, Greenbrier Elementary and Hughes Middle School. She also was National Board certified and a certified Master Gardener for many years.
During summers she taught Physical Science and Junior Master Gardener classes at Roper Mountain Science Center.
Pam was an excellent cook and gifted her family with editions of a book of her coveted recipes which she miraculously accomplished during her illness. Also during that time, she patiently ordered Christmas gifts for her family, making sure nothing would interfere with that expression of love for them.
She enjoyed reading, beautiful flowers, Star Trek, science fiction, the Beatles, movies, going out to eat, and most of all, spending time with family and friends. She adored her little grandchildren; sacrificially assisted with the care of her elderly parents and her in-laws during their final years; treasured her long-term friendships, especially the Oakview Teachers Supper Club and staunchly advocated for quality education for everyone.
With deep love and affection, she guided her children, daughters-in-law and son-in-law on the importance of family and responsibility during her lengthy medical condition. She fought valiantly against autoimmune disease, asthma, COPD, diabetes and congestive heart failure. She was as brave as they come.
She was an inspiration and beacon of hope of Christ’s love and God’s covenant promise. Her faith was in her spiritual foundation as a current member of Greenville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. She attended many churches (Loray Baptist Church, Edwards Road Baptist Church, Taylors First Baptist Church, Richardson Heights Baptist Church, and First Presbyterian Church of Greenville). Throughout the years, she sang in many choirs, participated in choir tours, and taught Sunday School. Her sweet smile and voice will be sorely missed.
Special thanks to Avis White, Rhonda Vaughan, Anne Nickles, Beth Fort, the Chulkas families, and Susan Spongberg and Dr. Ronald Tollison and staff. Providence Care Hospice provided exceptional compassionate assistance with Dr. King, Tammy, Julie, Chaplain Andre, and Montana. The best nurse in the world, Michelle Spongberg Bailey, went beyond the call of duty to ensure quality, pain free care until the end.
A celebration service of a life well lived will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 3:00 PM at Greenville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 741 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC. The service will be conducted by Rev. David Griffin with music by Cheri Owensby and T.J. Ellis. Visitation will follow in the Fellowship Hall. No graveside services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Quick Jobs Program, Greenville Technical College Foundation, P.O. Box 5616, Greenville, SC 29606-5616 or the Children’s Ministry, Greenville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 741 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601.
Online condolences can be made by visiting www.cremationsocietyofsc.com or greenvilleonline.com/obituaries.