Pamela Darlene Coale, a lifetime Beggs resident, passed away on September 11, 2025, in Tulsa at the age of 69, following a short illness.
Pam was born on February 20, 1956, in Okmulgee to Floyd and Edith (Sadler) Parham. She grew up in Beggs and graduated from Beggs High School, where she excelled in basketball and academics. A true standout, she earned All-State and All-American honors. Her basketball career continued at Seminole State College, and later at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she again achieved All-American status and helped lead her team to a National Championship title. Pam was honored to play internationally as a member of the United States basketball team, including competition in Russia.
Pam chose to shorten her basketball career when she married her lifelong love, Tommy Coale, on August 26, 1977, in Okemah at his grandparents’ home. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith and hard work.
She worked for many years as a school secretary before retiring. Outside of work, Pam found joy in nature. She loved gardening, working in her yard and spending time outdoors & traveling side by side with Tommy. Pam and Tommy attended church at Park Plaza Church of Christ.
Pam was preceded in death by her father, Floyd Parham.
February 20, 1956 – September 11, 2025
She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Tommy and her mother, Edith Parham; her children, Joshua Coale and Adam (Stacey) Coale; her sisters, Sandy (Steve) Rucquoy and Kathy (Chris) Hamby; her grandchildren, Dayson, Michael, Kash and Addie Coale; Lynlee, Delaney and Connor Coale; and Raigen Ashley; her nieces, Amber Hamby and Ashley Hamby, Stephanie (DoLee) Wolf; and her nephew, Cameron (Morgan) Rucquoy. Pam was loved and will be remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins and many life long friends.
Pam will be remembered for her dedication to her family and friends, and her passion for the outdoors.
The family will hold a memorial service for her. Services will be updated at www.mcclendon- winters.com. Arrangements and cremation services have been entrusted to McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Beggs. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Pamela’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon-winters. com.
