Pamela Holmes Dickens passed peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on August 8, 1957, in Columbia, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Silas Wendell Holmes Sr. and Doris Stover Holmes.
Pamela graduated from the University of South Carolina where she earned degrees in advertising and Spanish. She was a computer programmer for Ensono. She was an eternal optimist as a proud Gamecock supporter, a gifted pianist, and loved to read and craft. She had numerous animals throughout her life, and her love of all creatures led any animal needing a home into her arms.
Above anything else, Pamela treasured her family. She raised her children alongside her husband of forty-two years, Richard Dickens, and they were the center of her universe. She took great pride in supporting their dreams, cheering on her daughter, Madison, driving to countless rehearsals and sitting front row for her plays, traveling to support her daughter, Jordan, on the soccer field every weekend, and later her son, Harris as he took the field as a gifted player as well. Her love and encouragement guided them to pursue their dreams to no avail. Most affectionately known as Gigi, she was idolized by her grandchildren, Elizabeth and Hayden. With them, she shared her love of crafting, classic musical films, and accepted any opportunity to support them from the stage to the soccer field and the robotics lab.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Harris Dickens Sr. of Columbia, brothers Silas Wendell Holmes, Jr. (Teri) of Columbia and James Bradford Holmes of Fountain Inn, sister-in-law, Jane Holmes of Columbia, children Madison Altman (Brian) of Charleston, Jordan Dickens of Charleston, and Richard Harris Dickens Jr of Charleston along with nieces Rebecca Scout Holmes (Joe) and Sarah Holmes, nephew Trey Holmes, and great niece Pippi Holmes-Gorman. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Elizabeth Altman and Hayden Altman. She was preceded in death by her parents, Silas Wendell Holmes Sr. and Doris Stover Holmes, and her sister-in-law Paula Dunn Holmes.
The funeral service for Mrs. Dickens will be held at 11 o'clock, Monday, November 10th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3909 Forest Drive, Columbia, with Pastor Andrew W. Isenhower officiating. The family will receive guests after the service in the Fellowship Hall. She wished to be cremated and scattered over the ocean in eternal rest, which will take place with her family privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dorchester Paws of Summerville or Charleston Animal Society.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.