11/19/2025
Pamela Mae Corbin, 75, of Coiltown, Kentucky, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, after a long series of illnesses at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville.
For over twenty-six years, Pam was married to her devoted and loving husband, Rudy Thomas, with whom she shared a partnership built on admiration and deep mutual respect. Pam treasured her children, her profession, the stewardship of her family farms, and her dogs. She approached every role with integrity and devotion.
She was born on August 17, 1950, in Burbank, California to the late George and Edith Corbin. Pam spent her earliest months near Lockheed, where her father worked as a welder. Before her first birthday, the family returned home to Coiltown, where they farmed and attended Nebo Methodist Church. Pam graduated from Madisonville High School in 1968.
She earned a B.S. in Psychology and English in two-and-a-half years from Murray State University in 1971, followed by an M.A. in English in 1973. Her master’s thesis—an analysis of Freudian symbolism in Faulkner’s early novels—united her passions for psychology and American literature. After teaching English in Trigg County Public Schools and serving as Director of Public Relations at Murray Calloway County Hospital, she enrolled in the Brandeis College of Law at the University of Louisville. She completed her J.D. in 1980 and an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Miami School of Law in 1981. Pam graduated first in her class at both institutions—an extraordinary testament to her intellect, discipline, and relentless drive.
Pam practiced law for a year in Phoenix, Arizona, before returning to Hopkins County in 1982, where she practiced until her retirement in 2020. For decades, she poured her heart into the practice of family law. She was not just good at what she did, she was exceptional. Clients, colleagues, and even judges knew her as “the pitbull of family law,” a title she carried not out of intimidation, but out of unwavering devotion to the people she fought for. She stood her ground, she protected the vulnerable, and she never backed down when someone needed her. Many were a little scared of her—but everyone who truly knew her understood the truth: behind that fire was one of the kindest, most generous hearts you could ever encounter.
At home, Pam raised three wonderful children—largely on her own—and poured every ounce of love, resilience, and wisdom into them. They remain her greatest legacy. As “Nana,” she transformed ordinary moments into cherished memories. Her grandchildren adored her, and she, in turn, gave them a warmth and magic that filled every room she entered.
In addition to her parents, Pam was preceded in death by her older brother, Forest Monroe Corbin.
She is survived by her loving husband and law partner, Rudy Thomas; her children and step-children, George (Becky) Branch-Trevathan of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Marcus (Natasha) Little of Coiltown, Corbin Little of Richmond, Virginia, Brent (Shelly) Thomas of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Emily (Jeffrey) England of Lexington, Kentucky; her grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Benjamin Branch-Trevathan, Caroline Little, Katherine Little, Andrew Thomas, Claire Thomas, Alex England, and Thomas England; her nephew, Eric Buss; and by her two miniature dachshunds, Dale Jr, and Lucy.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, in the chapel of Harris Funeral Home with Rev. Kara Foster officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the service hour on Friday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.harrisfuneralinc.com
