Pamela Smith Bilton

Pamela Smith Bilton, beloved wife of Thomas “Tom” Bilton, passed away on May 4, 2026, at the age of 73.

Born on January 10, 1953, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Pamela was the daughter of the late Patricia Wright Smith and retired two-star Major General Edward Smith. She was a longtime resident of Columbia, South Carolina.

Pam is survived by her loving husband, Tom Bilton; her daughter, Megan (Tony) Latella; and her cherished grandchildren, Zachary and Lydia Latella. She is also survived by her sister, Kathy Donnelly (Tom); her sister-in-law, Lucy Hughes (Ricky); and several nieces and a nephew.

Pam is preceded in death by her parents and a family friend Shirley Kelly (Nannie).

A devout Christian who loved God deeply, Pam lived her life with a spirit of generosity and grace. A fighter from the very beginning, she was born prematurely, weighing just one pound. Though she lost her sight, she never lost her determination or her remarkable strength. As the child of a military family, she lived in multiple countries and never allowed challenges or differences to limit her abilities. Her younger years were marked by numerous accomplishments, earning awards and medals in activities such as horseback riding and water skiing. Pamela had a lifelong love of reading, devouring books in Braille and audio formats, and she once won a national Braille reading competition. She was also a talented musician and writer who generously shared her gifts with others, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew and loved her.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Eutawville Cemetery, Highway 6, Eutawville, South Carolina.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803).496-3434.