Pamela Jean Carey, 75, whose life included deep roots in Brownwood, family gatherings, gardening and years of ranching, died Sept. 22, 2026. Her family will host a private memorial service at a later date.
Carey was born Pamela Jean Perkins on Jan. 26, 1951, to Edwin G. Perkins and Bettie J. (Mathews) Perkins in Brownwood, Texas. She attended school in Brownwood, where her early life helped establish the local connection remembered in her obituary.
A life centered on family and the outdoors
Carey enjoyed working in her yard, growing flowers and maintaining a large garden. Her obituary described family as her greatest love, with cooking, large barbecues, music, dancing and singing among the activities shared by her relatives.
In 2006, she moved to Ebony, Texas, to work full time on a ranch with her father. After reconnecting with former classmate Mike Carey in 2007, the two married in 2010 and continued ranching and raising cattle. Her father died in 2012, and Mike died in 2015. Mike’s brother, Danny, later became Carey’s companion and soulmate; he died in 2022.
Survivors and arrangements
Carey is survived by three sons, Robby and his wife, Gena; Joey and his wife, Beth; and Shaun and his wife, Della. She is also survived by one daughter, Tammy and her husband, Tim; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Randy and his wife, Dawn; and a sister, Brenda.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, companion and granddaughter, Dakota Hopper. Arrangements are under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home in Early. The family is expected to announce details of the private memorial service at a later date. Online condolences, memories and tributes may be shared through Heartland Funeral Home.