Pam Markham
Pam Markham is the co-founder of Markham Realty , specializing in residential property in Walker and Montgomery counties since the 1980s . She is also an artist who paints with both local and national artist organizations . Markham is an active member of the SHSU Alumni Association , First United Methodist Church , and the Tall Pines Association of Realtors . She has contributed to the landscape of Huntsville through her art and attentive service to her clients , helping families find a home in the area .
Markham was born in Ranger , Texas , and is the oldest of four kids . At age five her family moved to Conroe and opened a Dairy Queen . Large gatherings with her extended family were a big part of her childhood . When she was 11 , her parents sold the Dairy Queen and started a home-building and real estate development business in Conroe .
“ We were a busy family and I got a hardship driver ’ s license when I was 14 years old to help transport my siblings to activities . In my parent ’ s home , I learned the value of faith in God , hard work , and the importance of integrity ,” said Markham
Both of her parents were very creative and approached everything with an eye for what was visually appealing .
She and her mother would visit high-end stores in Houston , try on the most expensive clothes , sketch out the designs and then sew them at home .
Her Dad could paint and draw with either hand . He created beautiful building designs and subdivision layouts . Both of my Grandmothers had a big influence on her life . One was an artist , the other was in sales .
“ I was taught by all of these people to complete a job , do it well , and treat other people with respect ,” said Markham .
She was the first person in her family to complete college , graduating from SHSU with a Fine Arts Degree . Formal training combined with the talent she inherited from her family allowed her to develop a semi-professional career as an artist while she built a real estate business with her husband Jeff , who she says has had the biggest influence on her professional life .
She and Jeff moved to Huntsville in the early ’ 80s , and opened Markham Realty in the downtown area . She helped him in the office and started developing her creative skills .
The move to Huntsville was a life defining change . Her sons were very young and Huntsville had a lot to offer . They quickly made friends and got involved with the Walker County Fair , church , schools and several community activities .
“ I loved the fact that the people in Walker County were so involved with their kids . It ’ s been important to me to have people from every walk of life know me and my family . And , I know them . So many have trusted Markham Realty with their real estate business and I am forever grateful for that ,” said Markham .
Her philosophy is life is to live , laugh , and love . That may sound simple , but she has learned that these three things are what human beings are intended to do .
The pattern of her typical work day has changed as a result of the pandemic . Checking emails , texts and returning calls is always part of her day , but she has learned to do a lot of her work from home .
“ Staying on top of the real estate market is very challenging and being available to guide people in their real estate decisions requires a flexible schedule . People skills are probably the most important . Advising and assisting people from every possible walk of life means that I need to be a good listener and problem solver ,” said Markham . Time management is her biggest challenge at work . Some days it ’ s easy and things just fall into place . Other days she finds herself running in different directions . Maintaining good service in real estate requires her to constantly adapt and adjust . Fortunately she and Jeff work with their sons Kevin and David , and their wives , Cindy and Kathy . They also have a team of strong agents and a remarkable staff , which provides a lot of support when things get busy .
In her free time , Markham loves to quail hunt , sit by an outside fire , read a good book , study the Bible and paint .
Art fills up much of her thinking time . She is the President of the Conroe Art League and is a part of their events on a regular basis .
“ I enjoy painting outdoors so I am happy to stick my easel in the dirt just about anywhere and do a little art ,” said Markham .
The only thing she might change is regaining her youth . She says she would like to be a better person and that it ’ s an ongoing process .
She wouldn ’ t choose to live anywhere else but Huntsville .
“ Jeff and I have talked a lot about this over the years and always end up saying we are just fine where we are . I love to travel to faraway places to paint . Visiting big cities is fun , but I ’ m always glad to come home . I really am proud to be a Texan and live in America , so I think I ’ ll just stay put ,” said Markham .
- Written by Kristie Stevens HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2022 | 7