Paula Moore

On July 29, 2025, Paula Moore, of Oakwood, Georgia, a cherished mother, aunt, and friend, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 88.

Over the past seven years, she faced significant health challenges with remarkable strength grace. God lovingly extended her life, giving her family and friends the gift of more time together and the chance to make even more treasured memories. Even as her health declined, Paula lived with a joyful spirit and resilient heart, and every moment with her during this time was a precious gift. She was at home being cared for by those who loved her most when she took her final breath.

Paula was born on October 17, 1936, to Paul and Margaret Howard in Marion, North Carolina. At the age of five, her family moved to Gainesville, Georgia, where she spent most of her life. She attended Gainesville High School and the University of Georgia and continued to cherish the friendships she made during those school years for more than eight decades.

Paula served faithfully in executive administrative roles at Brenau University, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Lakeview Academy, and Center Point.

As a young mother, Paula began growing in her personal relationship with Jesus. That faith became the foundation of her life and ministry. Over the years, she taught Sunday School, led worship services for seniors in nursing homes, encouraged and discipled women in prisons, and hosted countless women’s Bible studies—both in churches and in her home.

Later in life, while others were considering retirement, Paula embraced new mission opportunities with boldness and enthusiasm. In her 60s and early 70s, she served with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Switzerland, became a Certified Primary Healthcare Provider through a YWAM school in South Africa, and earned advanced certifications in ESL through programs in Montana and Hawaii. She used her skills to tutor students back home in Gainesville and was beloved by all who had the privilege to be taught and mentored by her.

Paula had the gift of hospitality and created a welcoming home where people were nourished in both body and spirit. Her home-cooked meals and joyful times of fellowship around the table were deeply cherished. She loved to laugh, watch movies, travel, hike, spend time at the beach, walk through gardens, and be anywhere outdoors soaking in God’s creation with those she loved. Her joy and radiant smile were contagious.

The family is deeply thankful to Linda Taaffe, Celeste Winters, Elise Fowler, Kelly Ivins, and Mercy Naweh for their loving and tender care as Mom’s devoted caregivers. We are also grateful for Betty Boyd Lewis, who was a supportive and dear friend to Paula for almost forty years. We thank the Georgia Hospice team for their care and compassion.  Each of you made it possible for her to remain in the home she loved until she went to be with the Lord, and we will forever be grateful.

In the past two years, Paula became a member of Lakewood Baptist Church. She looked forward to attending each Sunday she was able and especially enjoyed greeting Dr. Tyler Smiley, the Senior Pastor. The family is very appreciative for the love and care shown to Paula by Dr. Smiley and the pastoral staff, particularly over the last few months.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Margaret Howard, and her sister, Shirley Howard Elliott.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Holly Moore; her son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Kellie Moore; her nephew Andy Elliott and his wife Julie; and her niece Leslie Elliott Almond and her husband Kevin. She cherished being a Great Aunt to Josh and Laura Elliott, Jordan and Bryce Oakley, Daniel and McKenzie Almond, and Katherine Almond, and she delighted in time spent with their children.

Paula also leaves behind a legacy of deep friendships. She encouraged, served, and prayed faithfully for many people, and her life will continue to bear fruit through all those she touched.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am at Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA on August 6, 2025.  Visitation will be held at 10:00 am prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakewood Baptist Church, 2235 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30501 or the charity of your choice.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com