Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attended a memorial service Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, for Pamela J. Atkinson at the First Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake City. Atkinson was a Utah humanitarian and advocate for the hungry, the homeless, and the vulnerable, earning comparisons to Mother Teresa.
President D. Todd Christofferson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, represented the Church at the service and was accompanied by Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Elder Kearon provided brief remarks on behalf of the Church during the service.
Atkinson was born in the greater London area in 1933 and spent her life serving others after overcoming a childhood of poverty and hardship. Her professional career included roles as a nurse, educator, community leader, and health care executive. According to her family, she embodied the pure love of Christ through her devotion to listening to and uplifting others.
Church members and leaders collaborated with Atkinson on various humanitarian efforts over many years. Former Presiding Bishop H. David Burton, who worked with her to serve those facing hardship and homelessness, previously noted her ability to sense when people were hurting emotionally, psychologically, or temporally.
Atkinson is survived by three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
