The Legacy of Pamela Jean "Ifoma" Howell
Pamela Jean "Ifoma" Howell
May 3, 1947 — January 13, 2019
Born in Cleveland, Ohio to Charlie Lee George Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Hall) George, Pamela was the loving mother of John III (Ajaamo) and Arthur (Asim), and grandmother to John IV, Jayeden, Jordyn, Zion, and Alanah.
After her mother's passing, Pamela became a role model for her siblings, teaching them to read and write. She was an entertainer in the family group "The Georgettes" alongside her sisters.
She earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Cuyahoga Community College (1971) and a Master's in Human Services from Lincoln University (1998). Her career included serving as Adoption Coordinator and Community Outreach at the National Adoption Center, Child Care Director at the YMCA, and Case Manager/Instructor Coordinator at Lincoln University Urban Center.
A woman of remarkable determination, she earned a brown belt in karate and could break cinder blocks. Following her own vision challenges, she studied Braille, volunteered at the Visually Impaired Free Library, and attended Association Services for The Blind programs—inspiring the foundation's mission.
A devoted member of Vine Memorial Baptist Church, she served in the Women's Day Choir, as an Usher, in Vacation Bible School, as a Sunday school teacher, and in Missionary Circle #6, receiving the Missionary and Sunday School Teacher of the Year Award in 2014.
The Meaning of "Ifoma"
From the Nigerian Ibo language, meaning "beautiful, sensitive, and intelligent; with a keen appreciation for the finer things in life." Pamela received this name when she was initiated into the Sisterhood of Assata Sankofa, reflecting her spiritually motivated nature and deep connection to community.