Pamela Brown Caldwell

Pamela “Pam” Rattray Brown Caldwell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, artist, teacher, and devoted follower of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully at the age of 81. Born in Anderson, South Carolina, on August 21, 1945, Pam was one of five daughters of Dr. Malcolm J. Rattray and Marjorie “Mimi” S. Rattray. Pam’s faith in Jesus Christ was foundational to her life. She spoke of Jesus wherever she went, sharing with others the hope of salvation. Her life was marked by a genuine love for people and a desire to encourage everyone God placed in her path. Pam was an extraordinarily gifted and accomplished artist. She began taking art lessons at the age of six and sold her first commissioned work at just 14. At 18, she began teaching art professionally. She eventually had as many as 76 students each week, and she continued teaching until only a few weeks before her death. Her art career flourished through Craighall Gallery in Inman, South Carolina where she created and taught for many years. Pam produced more than 54 limited edition prints primarily featuring wildlife, and her artwork was exhibited in 50 galleries and shops throughout the United States. Her collectors included people in Saudi Arabia, France, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Perry Como purchased her work, and one of her Jack Russell terrier prints was included in the art collection of Princess Diana. Pam was the first woman named South Carolina Wildlife Federation Artist of the Year, and one of her commissioned works for the Harry Hampton Foundation hung in the South Carolina State House. She illustrated Cairn Studio’s “Woodspirits” book as well as a coloring book for the city of Charleston, SC. Yet, Pam never viewed her art simply as an accomplishment. She saw God’s hand in the beauty of creation. To her, painting wildlife, horses, flowers, and the natural world was itself an expression of faith. Pam was also an avid horsewoman and showed racking horses for many years. Her love of animals was deeply rooted in her childhood as the daughter of a veterinarian. She opened Alegre Farm and taught horseback riding lessons and led camps for children in the summers. She loved animals of every kind and believed that everything God created was worthy of love and appreciation. Her horse trailer carried a message that was quintessentially Pam: “Honk If You Love Jesus.” Pam also had a servant’s heart. For 25 years she delivered Meals on Wheels. She invested in the people she served. She listened to them, helped them with simple tasks, loved on them, and spoke with them about Christ and His love. She also showed this love in her service in the Lion’s Club with her husband, Bill, for many years. Pam founded a youth group at Gramling United Methodist Church and led it for many years. She gathered young people together each week and took them on outings to the beach and mountains. She loved young people and wanted them to experience both the joy of life and the hope found in Christ. Pam often joked that she collected animals, but she also collected people. She welcomed people into her life and loved them generously. Thirty-three years ago, Pam nearly lost her life in a devastating automobile accident. By God’s grace, her recovery was miraculous, and she was enabled to return to the life she loved. At her barn hung a sign: “God is good all the time. All the time God is good.” She was a “can do” person, convinced that if she set her mind to something, she would find a way to accomplish it. Pam was a devoted mother to son C. Mitchell Brown and daughter Kimberly E. Thomas. She was always there for them, consistently showering them with love. When Kimberly became interested in gymnastics, Pam had a balance beam built and placed in the pasture for practice. When Kimberly was a cheerleader, Pam came to her games, and Kimberly could always look into the stands and find her mother’s smile. Kimberly enjoyed art lessons with her Mom as her teacher from the time she was a young child. They were always very close. Pam was Kimberly’s best friend. Pam taught her son Mitch to fish and hunt and they shared good times riding horses and working on the family’s property together. Her work ethic was an inspiration to him. She encouraged Mitch in his endeavors and eventually helped in his decision to become an attorney. When she could, Pam loved teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren about the great outdoors, horseback riding, art and raising and caring for animals. She wanted to pass to them her curiosity, creativity, determination and love of God and his creation. And above all, Pam pointed her children and others to Christ. Pam was the beloved wife of William “Bill” E. Caldwell, with whom she shared 25 years of marriage. She is survived by her grandchildren Ash Abel, Michael Brown, Marjorie Abel, and Marion Brown, and great grandchildren Knox Abel and Mitchell Cade Brown. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Mitchell Brown, Jr. She is predeceased by her sisters Jo Ann Furman and Suzy Rattray. She is survived by her sisters June Harris and Jann Stanton. Pam spent her life creating beauty, teaching others, serving those in need, loving God’s creation, encouraging people, and telling them about Jesus. She would want the message of salvation stated here, and so it shall be: And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, for whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.” Matthew 28:6 Who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body. Philippians 3:21 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1 He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:5 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory. 1 Chronicles 29:11 There will be a Celebration of Pam’s Life and Service at Inman First Baptist Church, 14 N. Howard St., Inman, SC 29349 on September 17, 2026, at 2:00pm.

Pamela Brown Caldwell

August 21, 1945 - September 4, 2026