Faith and civic leaders gathered at First Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake City on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, to honor the life and legacy of Pamela Atkinson, a renowned advocate for the unhoused and vulnerable. Atkinson, who died on Oct. 10 at age 93, was remembered by speakers from various religious and government spheres as a catalyst for change and a dedicated servant to those on the margins of society.
A Gathering of Leaders
The memorial service attracted an extraordinary assembly of Utah's leaders, including Governor Spencer Cox and Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson. Religious leaders in attendance included apostles from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including D. Todd Christofferson, Gérald Caussé, Patrick Kearon, and Clark Gilbert. Other notable attendees included former Governor Gary Herbert and various clergy members, such as Rabbi Samuel Spector and Father John Evans, vicar general of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City.
A Legacy of Service
Speakers at the service emphasized Atkinson's profound impact on Utah, with Governor Cox noting that her influence was extraordinary. Cox remarked that Atkinson, a British woman who arrived 5,000 miles from her home, had profoundly altered the history of the state. The Governor also noted that while he initially felt it was unfair to burden her with the nickname "Utah's Mother Teresa," he eventually wondered if the comparison was unfair to Teresa herself.
A Generational Figure
Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described Atkinson as a "once-in-a-generation figure" and a "precious friend." He characterized her as a defender, a rescuer, and a protector for those facing disadvantage. Eubank, the former director of Humanitarian Services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, noted that Atkinson had helped shape the program for her own memorial, as she did not want the service to focus solely on praise but rather on how others could perform similar work.
From London to Utah
Atkinson, who was born in the greater London area in 1933, overcame a childhood marked by poverty and hardship. Throughout her life as a nurse, educator, and health care executive, she became a prominent advocate for refugees, low-income families, and those experiencing homelessness. Her work helped shape healthcare, housing, and services for vulnerable populations across the state.
Personal Reflections
Family members shared personal reflections during the service. Her daughter, Heather Hooper, recalled how Atkinson's intense dedication to her work meant the family often celebrated Christmas on Dec. 26, known as Boxing Day, because her mother was often under viaducts providing meals to others. Hooper also shared that Atkinson's devotion to service was constant, even noting that her mother would ask if there was anything she could do for her just days before she died.
Family Memories
Atkinson's grandson, Nate Cooper, recalled how she used an Xbox in her Salt Lake City basement to lure her grandsons into visiting so she could spend time with them. When asked why she devoted so much energy to unpaid service, he said his grandmother replied that she was doing what Jesus Christ would be doing if he were on earth. Her grandson, Nate Hooper, echoed this sentiment when recounting a conversation about why she continued her work despite the lack of pay.
A Final Farewell
The memorial service, which included congregational hymns, choir solos, and bagpipes, was opened by Pastor Jamie White. White described one of Atkinson's final mornings, noting how she whispered Psalm 23 alongside him as he recited it at her bedside. The service concluded with a final charge to the congregation to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
