HAWESVILLE, Ky. — Pamela Swihart Jett Rasch passed away at her home in Vicksburg, MS on March 9, 2018 after a brief battle with cancer.

Pam was the second of five children born to Fay Swihart Newton and the late W.E. Swihart on January 18, 1954 in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Intelligent and driven from the start of her life, she graduated as salutatorian of her class at Hancock County High School, where she was liked by all. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and her Doctor of Medicine from University of Louisville. While completing her residency in pathology at the University of Florida, she become a mother to her two much loved children, Rachel and Bryce.

Pam was passionate about medicine and loved to take care of people. She practiced as a clinical pathologist at Mercy and Parkview hospitals in Vicksburg for 10 years. Until her retirement in Dec. 2017, she served as the Vice President of Medical Affairs for Mississippi Blood Services in Jackson.

Pam was immeasurably kind and had an infectious joy that drew people to her. Generous and genuine, she was loved dearly by all who knew her.

Pam was preceded in death by her beloved father W.E. Swihart of Hawesville, Kentucky.

Pam is survived by her mother Fay Lambert Swihart Newton of Hawesville, Kentucky from whom she got her kind spirit and quiet strength, her devoted husband of 32 years Michael Rasch of Vicksburg, her cherished children Rachel Jett Ware (Matthew) of Clarksdale and Bryce Buckner Jett III (Isabelle) of Los Angeles, California, and her two precious grandchildren Gardner Ware and Jace Jett who lovingly called her Granny Doc. She is also survived by her adored siblings Charlotte Speicher (Fritz) of Booneville, Indiana, Dana Boykin (Jerry) of Lewisport, Kentucky, Peggy Jones (Mark) of Henderson, Kentucky, and Dennis Swihart (Debbie) of Hawesville, Kentucky.

A visitation will be held at Riles Funeral Home in Vicksburg on Monday, March 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. In honor of her wishes, there will be a visitation Thursday, March 15, at noon with a funeral and burial following at 2 p.m. in Hawesville, Kentucky at Blackford Baptist Church.

Memorial donations in memory of Pam may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.