Pamaler Gail McZeal

Pamaler Gail Lyons McZeal was born February 6, 1956, in Westlake, LA, to Loretta Lyons and Cornelius Barber, Sr. She peacefully departed this life on September 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband and daughter. She was a member of Mt. Nebo CME Church, Westlake, LA. She later converted to Catholicism and joined Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

She attended and graduated from Westlake High School in 1974, where she was a member of the Ramettes Marching Team. She completed her education at Sowela Technical Community College. There, she met the love of her life, Joseph “Mac”. She and Joseph united in holy matrimony on September 4, 1982, and their daughter, Katlyn Jewel, was born on December 16, 1992.

Pamaler worked at Calcasieu Parish Police Jury for 25 years, the Council on Aging-Meals on Wheels Department, and as a substitute for the Special Education Department at Lake Charles Boston High School.

She was a devoted member of numerous organizations: Zeta Amica of Lake Charles for 29 years (Spring 1997), the Red Hat Society, the NAACP of Lake Charles, the Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, and the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary St. Rita Court 31.

Pamaler never met a stranger. She knew everyone! She consistently lent a helping hand to everyone.

She enjoyed grooving on the dance floor doing all the line dances and zydeco. She was known for always having a good time. Pam always knew how to light up a room and be the life of the party.

She kept God first in everything her hands found to do.

Pamaler is preceded in death by her parents, Loretta Lyons and Cornelius Barber Sr. (Josie); three sisters, Joyce Francis of Port Arthur, TX, Emma Gibson of Chicago, IL, and Ruby Lou Barber of Milwaukee, WI.

Pamaler leaves to cherish her loving memory; her devoted husband, Joseph Alex for 44 years; her one and only loving daughter, Katlyn Jewel; three brothers, Craig (Daisy) Barber of Lake Charles, LA, Cornelius (Anita) Barber Jr of Pearland, TX, and Curtis Barber of Westlake, LA; two sisters, Tammy (Carey) LaDay of Westlake, LA, and Brenda Barber of Westlake, LA. One brother-in-law, Charles McZeal; with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and loved ones; and her special sidekick, Pocahontas.

Visitation will begin at 8:00 A.M. with Zeta Phi Beta Amicae ceremony at 8:30 A.M. and Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary and Fourth Degree ceremonies to follow at 8:45 A.M. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Entombment will be in Sacred Heart Mausoleum under the direction of Combre Funeral Home.