Faith and civic leaders gathered at First Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake City to honor the life and legacy of Pamela Atkinson. Atkinson, a longtime and renowned advocate for people who are unhoused and vulnerable, died on Oct. 10.
The funeral service was attended by representatives from several faiths, including the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, represented by vicar general Father John Evans. Senior leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Governor Spencer Cox were also in attendance.
Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a fellow Briton, described Atkinson as a once-in-a-generation figure. He noted she was a catalyst for change, a defender, and a provider for those at a severe disadvantage.
Atkinson served as a trusted advisor to legislators, governors, and church leaders for decades. Sharon Eubank, the former director of Humanitarian Services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, noted that Atkinson was often referred to as Utah’s Mother Teresa, a title Atkinson reportedly disliked because she believed anyone could perform such service through small, ordinary means.
Representatives from the Catholic community included Aden Batar, director of Migration and Refugee Services for Catholic Community Services, and Michael Edwards, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Edwards succeeded Atkinson as the chairman of the Utah Coalition Against Pornography.
According to Pastor Jamie White, Atkinson had planned her funeral service multiple times. She requested that speakers focus on her exhortations to serve others rather than singing her praises.
Governor Spencer Cox recalled Atkinson's final message to the state as being to simply follow Jesus. Atkinson also expressed a hope that her life would remind others how easy it is to reach out and help through small acts, such as providing socks, soup, or cat food.
