Uncrowned Community Builders

Pamela Ann Gayles Johnson was born to Edward Cato Gayles II and Lula Lucritia Adams Gayles on April 24, 1949. Pamela was the ninth child of seventeen brothers and sisters. She and her siblings formed a gospel group; the Gayles Family Singers of Buffalo, New York. Pamela, along with her brothers and sisters, entertained and touched souls, hearts and minds throughout the United States and other countries throughout the world.

Pamela was baptized and dedicated her life to Christ at a very young age. Pamela attended First Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Prince of Peace COGIC and Greater Love Fellowship. Pamela made significant contributions to the music ministries at each church she attended. She had a unique style of directing which left an indelible impression on the hearts of all those who witnessed her passion to serve God.

Education was an integral part of Pamelaââ?¬â?¢s life. She knew at a very young age teaching was her calling. Pamela received a Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude) in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Educational Administration at Medaille College.

She performed various roles in the field of education; she taught for twenty-five years, served as assistant principal and as acting principal. Pamela was highly regarded in her profession and in her community. Her influence was so impressive that the Buffalo Board of Education declared ââ?¬Å?Pamela Ann Gayles Dayââ?¬ on December 18, 2005.

Pamela was a dynamic and extraordinary elementary school teacher. Her dedication to and love for her students were incomprehensible. Pamelaââ?¬â?¢s students were exposed to an experiential style of teaching. Her students and their parents were taken on cultural trips throughout the United Sates, Canada, Bahamas, and Jamaica. Pamela maximized each moment in the classroom. Through her execution of plans, dedication and guidance, she inspired her students to excel at any task they encountered.

She went above and beyond the call of duty to bring people together. It is through these efforts, humanity experienced the most life had to offer. She planned holiday affairs and knew how to make ordinary events extraordinary.

During Black History Month 2006, Pamela was honored by the Buffalo Board of Education, which named the auditorium at North Park Academy, the ââ?¬Å?Pamela Ann Gayles Johnsonââ?¬ Auditorium. The Buffalo Common Council also bestowed the honor of naming Humboldt Parkway, from Main Street to North Hampton Street, ââ?¬Å?Pamela Ann Gayles Johnson Way.ââ?¬ A street sign bearing the new name will be placed in that section of Humboldt Parkway.

Her abundant life freed people to experience the real meaning of joy. She left a legacy that will transcend time. Pamela was married to George Johnson, mother to Candace Perry Morales and Vincent Perry and grandmother to Matthew and Camilla Morales.