Evelyn Pamela "Pam" Rider

Evelyn Pamela “Pam” Rider, age 77, of Cornelia, Georgia, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, January 16, 2026.

Born on May 27, 1948, in Gainesville, Georgia, Pam was a daughter of the late William Richard Welch and the late Mattie Lou Partain Gazaway. She lived a life marked by faith, compassion, and devotion to others.

Pam dedicated many years of her life to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant, working faithfully at The Oaks at Scenic View Healthcare and Habersham Medical Center until her retirement. Her gentle spirit and servant’s heart were evident in the care and kindness she showed to all those she served.

In her spare time, Pam found joy and peace in reading her Bible, coloring, playing solitaire, and working word puzzles. She was a faithful member of Leatherwood Baptist Church and remained devoted to her faith even when declining health prevented her from attending regularly. Above all else, Pam cherished her family. Her greatest joy and blessing came from time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and unconditionally.

In addition to her parents, Pam was preceded in death by her brother, Gordon Welch, and her sister, Terry Rider.

Survivors include her children, Judy Ann Dyer, James Rider, Jr. and Johnny Rider (Wilma); grandchildren, Terah Fulbright (Brenden), Courtney Dyer (Heather), Lamar Rider (Jessica), Jonathan Rider (Chloe Cantrell), Madison Rider (Ryan Nunley), and Austin Dyer (Amber); great-grandchildren, Saylor Fulbright, Chesney McIntyre, Landon Rider, Whitley Rider, Kiptyn Rider, Willow Rider, Sebastian Rider, Blythe Rider, Jameson Rider, Jettson Rider, Jaxson Rider, and River Rider Nunley; sisters, Nola Brown, Paula Gazaway, and Lisa Simpson; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Rev. Adam Humphries officiating. Interment will follow in the Demorest City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

An online guest registry is available for the Rider family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.