Paula Jo Waters

Our beautiful Paula Waters, born July 16, 1951, entered into God’s arms on March 17, 2014 with her family by her side in Pensacola, Florida. A visitation will be Friday, March 21, 2014 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South from 5:00 p.m until 7:00 p.m. Paula Jo Waters was born in Lamar, Missouri to Elmo and Mable Simmons. Paula grew up in a very big family with all of her siblings by her side – Ancil, Dwain, Gary, Clarene, Wynona, Lloyd, and Wayne. Maybe that’s where she learned her love of having a house full of family and friends. Paula was a Midwestern girl, who traveled the world [or Europe?], but decided the life of the beach was for her. We would catch her sinking her toes into the white sands of Pensacola Beach and admiring lighthouses as we went for breezy drives. She loved blues and greens and anything bright, but really, it was Paula’s energy that brought color and brightness to our days. Her eyes were so blue you’d think you were staring into the sky, or maybe the sky was staring back at you. She was our lighthouse, a light that would reach out and welcome you to the shore not matter your lot in life. Paula met Michael, her husband, in Germany and they had been sweethearts for over 40 years. He called her “PJ,” and sometimes, “Sandflea” because she could not swim. That did not keep her away from the water. She loved watching Mike’s awesome surfing skills, and he loved that she watched him. Paula was not a Star Trek fan like Mike, but she indulged in Danielle Steel novels and relished a good western movie. John Wayne was the absolute best! Paula adored her children – Brian, Monica, and Chris and her six precious grandchildren – and they adored her back. Paula worked hard in whatever capacity, but she was mostly known for her love of family. She was a “mom’s mom” and probably could write novels about what it means to be a compassionate mother. Her maternal instincts spilled over into embracing her kid’s friends like they were her own. Times may have been tough, but the dinner table was always ready for her children and their guests. While she would never tell you one, she relished a good dirty joke every now and then. She loved to laugh. We miss her laughter . . . we miss her generosity . . . . Paula will never get to sink her toes into the sands this summer, but the beach and the sun’s warm summer rays is where she will rest. One day, Paula Jo, we will see you smile again and we will laugh together. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, FL is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

Tributes

Paula Jo Waters

July 16, 1951 - March 17, 2014