Dr. Pamela De Voe

“Listen to what everyone says. You don’t have to agree with them, but you need to listen. If you don’t understand, you can never change your mind. By not listening, you close the door to learning new things and mindsets.”

Pamela’s life is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the ability to pivot to new endeavors with passion and purpose. Born with a natural curiosity about the world, Pamela’s early academic pursuits led her to the field of anthropology. This foundation would later shape her career and lifelong mission to understand and share diverse cultures, particularly Asian traditions.

Her journey began with a deep dive into Asian Studies, where she sought to understand the rich tapestry of cultures across Asia. This interest took her to Taiwan, where she spent time immersed in local customs, language and history. It was in Taiwan that Pamela formed an even deeper bond with the traditions she would later highlight in her work. She was particularly struck by Taiwan’s deep reverence for family, education and history — values that she would carry with her throughout her professional and personal life.

Upon returning to the United States, Pamela shifted her focus toward advocating for refugees from Vietnam, helping them acclimate to American life. This work became one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career. She worked tirelessly to assist families in navigating the complexities of their new environment, ensuring they had the support they needed to rebuild their lives in a foreign land. Her empathy, combined with her rich cultural knowledge, made her a trusted resource for many.

However, Pamela’s path took another turn when she decided to transition from advocacy to the world of literature. As an educator and anthropologist, she had always believed in the importance of stories in understanding the human experience. So, she turned her attention to writing and began crafting novels that blended her academic expertise with her newfound passion for storytelling. Her historical fiction trilogies, particularly those centered on Chinese history, received widespread acclaim for their depth, accuracy and insight into the complexities of Chinese culture over the centuries.

Pamela’s dedication to her craft did not go unnoticed. Her writing was celebrated by peers and critics alike. The Agatha Award nomination recognized her talent for weaving suspense into historical narratives, while the Silver Falchion Award highlighted her skill in international mystery fiction. Furthermore, her commitment to preserving and sharing cultural histories earned her a prestigious grant from the Missouri Humanities Council. These accolades, along with her recognition in Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in American Education and Who’s Who in the World, cemented Pamela’s reputation as a force in the literary world.

Today, Pamela remains an active participant in her community at EverTrue Meramec Bluffs. She has found a new home in the peaceful surroundings of this tight-knit retirement community, where she continues to explore the written word through her involvement in a book club. Pamela brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to the group, sparking thoughtful discussions about literature, history and culture. She continues to push the boundaries of her own education, always learning, always growing and always sharing her wisdom with those around her. As she says, “Listen to what everyone says. You don’t have to agree with them, but you need to listen. If you don’t understand, you can never change your mind. By not listening, you close the door to learning new things and mindsets.”