Pamela Sessions Whitlock Jensen
1954 - 2018
Pamela Sessions Whitlock Jensen, age 64, of Orem Utah, died on Saturday, October 13 after battling her third cancer. Being the tough cookie that she is, it took three different kinds of cancer to end her mortal journey. Born August 9, 1954 in Merced California, the 4th of 6 children to Chester and Vernell (Butt) Sessions, she grew up in Northern California and loved the area. Years later when returning to the Cascade Mountains she cried, “I’m home!”
Married to Robert Whitlock from 1975 to 2003, they welcomed five children into their family; four sons and one daughter. They settled together in Riverton, Utah.
She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served faithfully in many church callings, serving in the nursery, primary, young women, relief society, Sunday school, and with Stake baptisms. While her children were young she worked at the schools they attended. It was a joy / curse for the kids to see her in the lunchroom, on the playground, or at the library.
Married to Tom Jensen in 2006, they shared a life filled with family. After attempts to teach her granddaughter Vienne the name “Nana” had failed, Vienne created a better title for her beloved grandma, “Nonny.” Nonny became Pam’s most treasured title and the best part of her life.
Pam worked in the district and juvenile court systems and enjoyed many years and friendships with her coworkers. She appreciated the opportunity to serve her community and gained caring and devoted lifelong friends along the way. She was treasured as a source of calm and stability in a job that was sometimes difficult and emotionally challenging.
She enjoyed knitting winter hats to distribute to anyone in need, and once made enough for the entire primary in her ward. She was skilled with Swedish weaving and made blankets for her children, grandchildren, and for children of her nieces and nephews. She even created her own designs. She would also provide blankets for Timpanogos hospital, particularly serving those with “angel babies” that needed a beautiful blanket.
She loved spending time with her family, friends, coworkers and neighbors, but by far her favorite people in the world are her grandchildren; Vienne, Everett, Vernell, Elloree, Peter, Mary and Kylee, and Tom’s fifteen grandchildren. Her goal has been to plant her memory in their hearts and she has achieved great success. Every holiday of the year involves special activities with Nonny. She excelled at gathering her family in unity and love by providing fun games, delicious treats and memorable moments. Her favorite time was the weekly Friday “Nonny Night” which sometimes included special art projects or adventures but most often was just a relaxing evening with dinner, dessert, popcorn, movies and games. Surrounded by grandkids was her favorite place to be.
For 14 years she battled against three different rare cancers. Although her physical body could not finish the fight, she has full faith in our Savior Jesus Christ and His ability to overcome all things. She didn’t lose her battle against cancer; she just tapped out and allowed the Lord to win for her.
Survived by her loving husband Tom Jensen, her devoted children Mycal Whitlock, Jason (Emily) Whitlock, Cameron (Laura Marone) Whitlock, Neal (Amber) Whitlock and Wendee (Sam) Stevens, her cherished grandchildren Vienne, Everett, Vernell, Elloree (Wendee and Sam) Peter, Mary (Neal and Amber), Kylee Durfey (Jason and Emily), her beloved siblings Gary (Tish) Sessions, Karen (LaVar) Drummond, David (Kimberly) Sessions, Becky (Bobby) Leake, Susan Pace, many wonderful nieces and nephews and Tom’s dear children and grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Vernell Sessions, her brother-in-law Paul Pace, and her great-nephew Spencer Warnock.
Public viewing will be Thursday, October 18 from 6-8pm at the Geneva Heights Stake building at 546 North 500 West in Orem, Utah and Friday, October 19 from 9:00-10:30am. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Friday, October 19 at 11am. Pam’s favorite color is purple; please dress accordingly if you’d like.
