Pamela Cheryl Cooke

Pamela Cheryl Cooke lived a life that radiated compassion, purpose, and quiet strength. She was a daughter, a sister to six brothers, an aunt, a mother, and a grandmother. But to so many more, she was a guiding light during the darkest chapters of their lives.

Over three decades of Pam’s professional life were spent advocating for victims of violent crime, especially survivors of domestic violence. Her journey in advocacy began in 1987 as a Victim Advocate and more notably in 1990 when she became the Director of the Victim Witness Program in the Campbell County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, a position she held until her retirement in 2012. But retirement did not slow her down. Pam continued her mission through the YWCA Domestic Violence Program and later with the Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, where she led efforts to help victims navigate protective orders with dignity and care.

Pam’s impact reached far beyond any office walls. She played a key role in helping enshrine the Crime Victims Bill of Rights into the Code of Virginia in 1995, and she remained a fierce defender of those rights for the rest of her career. She was called upon in moments of deep tragedy, responding with the Virginia Crisis Response Team to the Appalachian School of Law shooting in 2002 and the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007. In those painful moments, she brought calm, comfort, and compassion.

She mentored countless young victim advocates, trained law enforcement officers on how to better serve survivors, and helped shape a more just and empathetic system for so many. Most importantly, she stood beside victims with grace and strength, ensuring they never felt alone.

Outside of her work, Pam found joy and meaning in supporting her two sons, Dave and Chris. One of her greatest joys was being part of The Water Dog, where her love and care were felt by everyone. She did everything from tidying up the space to filling it with plants that she nurtured like family. Her touches made the restaurant feel warm and welcoming, not just to her sons but to every customer who walked through the door. Holidays were her favorite time of year, and she made sure each one was celebrated with cheerful decorations and joy. The staff adored her. She made the place feel like home.

Pam also loved being outdoors and near the water. Whether it was relaxing at Timberlake with her family or feeling the sand beneath her feet at the beach, she found peace and joy where water met sky. Those quiet moments were some of her happiest, surrounded by those she loved and the sun on her face.

She leaves behind a devoted family who loved her deeply and miss her immeasurably. In addition to her sons, she is survived by her loving husband Martin Lawson, her grandchildren Tristan, Hannah, Cole, Lachlan, and Taylor, and her sweet dogs, who adored her just as much as she adored them. She shared a deeply special bond with her daughters-in-law, Jess and Courtney, who she embraced fully as her own, and was also a proud stepmother to Kyle, and Nicole.

Her professional accomplishments were remarkable, but they only tell part of her story. To her sons and her family (and just like her mother Annie Mae), she was the family’s rock. To their friends, she was the second mom everyone wished they had. Always ready with comfort, humor, and wisdom. Her presence (and her home) was steady and strong, a soft place to land for so many.

Pam had a deep and abiding empathy, the kind that could not be taught. She believed in grace, in helping people be seen and heard, and in showing up for others, no matter what.

She loved the story of Winnie the Pooh, and it’s no wonder. Like the characters in that gentle world, Pam’s life was full of loyalty, tenderness, and quiet bravery. In the words of A. A. Milne, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Pam Cooke made it hard to say goodbye. That is the kind of life she lived.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and service. Of showing up for others. Of making every person feel important. Of proving that even one life, lived with courage and compassion, can change the world.

And she did. Every single day.

Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of Pamela Cheryl Cooke on Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm at The Water Dog in downtown Lynchburg located at 1016 Jefferson Street, Lynchburg, VA. We will have food, drinks, live music, and an atmosphere almost as vibrant as Pam. Stop in anytime and come ready to share stories, hugs, a few toasts, and lots of love … just the way she wanted.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.