Pamela Jenene Thornton, affectionately known as Pammy, PJ, or Mom, was called from labor to reward on January 28, 2026, at 6:05 p.m., surrounded by family at USC Keck Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. She leaves behind an enduring legacy in the city of Oxnard, and an imprint on our hearts that will last forever.

Pam was born on January 17, 1966, in Adak, Alaska, to the late Earnest Williams Jr. and Elsie Williams. In 1968, the family relocated to Port Hueneme in Ventura County, where she was raised alongside her beloved sister, Karen. From an early age, Pam's life was grounded in faith, family, and a strong sense of purpose. Pam later married Carl Thornton in 1987, and together, they built a family that remained central to her heart.

Pam had aspirations of attending Tuskegee University to study medicine, a dream that reflected her deep desire to care for others. She fulfilled that calling through a devoted career in healthcare, serving as lead Medical Assistant at Arroyo Oaks Medical Associates specializing in family practice, gynecology, allergy immunology, and orthopedics.

In 2006, Pam began a new chapter with the Oxnard Police Department (OPD) as a Data Entry Technician. She was promoted to Word Processor II in 2007 and, in 2017, became a Community Service Officer. She later became a Public Safety Investigative Specialist, where she provided invaluable support to the detectives of the OPD Violent Crimes Unit, serving faithfully until her last day in December 2025. Known affectionately around the department as "the real commander," Pam was respected, cherished, and will be deeply missed by her OPD family.

Pam's relationship with God was of utmost importance to her. She attended St. Paul Baptist Church in Oxnard under the leadership of Rev. H. N. Edwards, where she was also baptized. After his passing, she continued her worship under Bishop B. A. Huggins, where she served as an usher and a member of the choir. She frequently attended Faith Mission Christian Fellowship Church in Camarillo, under the leadership of Pastors Willis and Gay Steele, and lent her soprano voice in worship. Pam's presence in the church was one of warmth, dedication, and quiet leadership, and she made it a mission to have a solid spiritual foundation throughout her life.

Pam was the heart and matriarch of her family—she was the organizer of trips, the keeper of order, and the one who always told it like it was. She spoke with honesty, yet her warmth and love were unmistakable. She had a special love of Harry Potter, Christmastime, and a clean space, but what she cherished most was quality time with her family and close friends. Pam enjoyed hosting family gatherings, trips to the casino, and a good weekend brunch. She adored her grand-dog, Bean, and was especially excited to welcome her first great-nephew into the world.

She leaves to cherish her memories: two children, Troy (fiancée Bria) and Taylor (Taïno); sister, Karen Williams-Jones; god-brother, James Boyd (Dawn); former husband-turned great friend, Carl Thornton; beloved nieces and nephews: Bryant (LaPorsha), Bethany Campbell (Eric), Kayla, and Amiah-Faith; brother-sister cousins, Letitia and Anthony; the Get It Girls Crew: Chandra, LaToya, and Camisca; adoptive family members, Jai (Derrick), Steven (Nancy), and Shalimar; and a host of adored cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and coworkers.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Earnest Jr. and Elsie Williams; maternal grandparents, Adam Sr. and Ethel Richard; and paternal grandparents, Earnest Sr. and Pecola Williams.

Pamela lived a life of love, service, faith, and unwavering authenticity. Although she is no longer physically with us, her spirit, laughter, and legacy will continue to guide and comfort all who were blessed to know her.