On Sept. 27, 1944, Billy Ray Mitchell and Eunice Speers Mitchell welcomed their oldest daughter into their family. Paula Juan was the name given to her by her maternal grandfather, Frank Speers.
Paula left her earthly home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 20 at TMC in Denison, Texas.
Paula attended Durant public schools from first to twelfth grades. She was a very talented singer and was recognized for her musical ability. After her high school graduation, she continued to sing at SOSU with the Chambers singers under the direction of Pablo Pedraza.
Paula married Steve Howell on Oct. 11, 1963, in Durant. Their son Chris was born into their family on Sept. 29, 1966.
Her first job was as a telephone operator in Durant, but she later transferred to the Dallas area. After a few years, they moved back to Durant where she began her work at the Durant Daily Democrat. Paula devoted her heart and energy to her position as Advertising Manager, a position she held for 49 ½ years. She made many friends all across Durant because of her contact with them and the community she served.
She believed in our community and was a member and officer in the Business and Professional Women’s Organization while it was active in Durant. She worked with the Durant Chamber of Commerce to help coordinate the “Carnival on the Square” and “Chamber Bingo Night” for many years.
She believed in her friends and would do anything to help them. If she didn’t have what was needed, she would go to someone that did. She was diligent in making sure her class of 1962 stayed in touch and had a monthly lunch with those who could get together. She also helped organize their class reunions. Paula loved being surrounded by family and friends.
Paula loved the Lord and loved to worship with the church family of Abundant Life Texoma. She supported all their activities and encouraged others to support the mission groups from their church. She loved the praise music and was so proud she had family singing in the praise team.
Paula is survived by her husband Steve, son, Chris Howell and daughter-in-law, Edie Howell; grandchildren: Christian Howell and wife Chelsea (great-granddaughter Stella Danielle Howell), Collin Howell and wife Jordan, and Courtlan Howell; sisters: Carolyn Wilkins, Kathy Aldridge and husband Sam; nieces, Kim Aldridge and Alisha Crowell and husband David, Joli Jorgenson and husband Zach; nephew, Josh Wilkins; great nieces and nephews, Mitchell Aldridge and wife Brittany, Addison Crowell, Drew Crowell, Allison Jorgenson, Zachary Jorgenson; great-great nieces and nephews Kasen, Riley and Presley Aldridge.
She is preceded in death by her father Billy Ray Mitchell, mother, Eunice Mitchell, niece Cynthia Aldridge-Bruorton, and great nephews Michael and Marcus Holloway.
Pallbearers are to be Josh Wilkins, Zach Jorgenson, Mike Speers, Steve Speers, Kelly Rains, and David Crowell.
Honorary pallbearers are to be the members of the class of 1962 and will have seating provided for them.
Family visitation will be Sunday afternoon, Mar. 24 from 2-3 p.m. at Holmes~Coffey-Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Okla. The service will be 2 p.m. Monday, Mar. 25 at Abundant Life Texoma at 1307 N. Washington in Durant.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the mission’s fund at www.abundantlifetexoma.church
Services are under the direction of Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral home www.holmescoffeymurray.com