Pamela Stetson Hankison

Pamela Stetson Hankison, age 75, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend, was called home to rest eternally with our heavily Father November 2, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family as she departed while receiving outstanding support and attention by the healthcare staff in the Comprehensive Liver Care Unit at VCU Medical Center in Richmond. 

Born October 6, 1950, in Newport News at Riverside Hospital, she was Known to most as Pam. After graduating from Warwick High School in 1968, Pam attended Riverside School of Nursing. She graduated in 1973. Later in life, she continued her education at Old Dominion University. Pam was a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, graduating with a BSN in 1999. 

Pam’s nursing career spanned three decades and multiple states. When she left the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control in August 1989, the District Medical Director, Dr Ronald Rolett, said, “your departure is going to leave a big hole in our heart.” That statement epitomized the love she poured into her service to the community. She was a community health nurse for the Three Rivers Health District for ten years, culminating twenty-nine years as a nurse. Despite ending her career 22 years ago, a former patient called to check on her during her recent hospitalization. The impact Pam had on the community can’t be overstated. 

Pam was married to William (Bill) Lee Hankison Sr. Pam was a devoted Navy wife as she and Bill traveled up and down the east coast during his 20-year Naval career. They met in Virginia, had their first child, Bill Jr, in Melbourne, Florida. Their second child, Stephanie, was born at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire. They lived in South Carolina for ten years while Bill was in the Navy and shortly after he retired, finally settling in Essex County Virginia 35 years ago. Pam and Bill were married for 53 years, devoting their lives to each other and Christ. 

Pam was an active member of the Ephesus Baptist Church in Dunnsville. Her love of the Lord was evident by her dedication to the Church, leading the prayer group for several years and singing in the choir before becoming ill. She was a prayer warrior, spending countless hours in prayer for members of the church, community, and the nation. 

She was greeted in heaven by her son, William (Bill Jr.) Lee Hankison, Jr, her parents, Winifred and Richard H. Stetson, Sr and in-laws Verna and William (Pete) Hankison. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Marks-Bristow Chapel, 206 N Church Lane, Tappahannock, VA. In interment will follow at Ephesus Baptist Church, 287 Ephesus Church Road in Dunnsville, Virginia. A reception for the gathering of Pam’s family and friends in remembrance of her will take place afterwards.

She is survived by her husband William Lee Hankison, Sr.; her daughter, Stephanie Hankison Radican (Carey Radican), and her grandsons William Wesley Richards (Carli Dodson) and Wyatt Radican; and her siblings, Ginger Manor (Danny Manor), Richard (Rick) Stetson Jr (Stacy Stetson) and Cheryl Gricks (Dean Shank). The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Ephesus Baptist Church Sanctuary Fund, 287 Ephesus Church Rd., Dunnsville, VA 22454. Please write Pam Hankison in the memo section of your check. May the Lord Bless and Keep this Beautiful Lady by His Side!