Paula Thompson

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Paula Vanessa Thompson, departed this life peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Paula was born on March 11, 1941, in Eupora, Mississippi, to William Welch, Sr., and Eula (Eiland) Welch.

Paula graduated from Eupora High School. She married Jerry Thompson on May 16, 1964. To this union, 5 children were born. She worked at the Kellwood Company for several years. Seeking better opportunities for herself and her children, in the fall of 1980, Paula packed up her car with her children and all the belongings it could hold, heading to Saginaw, Michigan, to live with her baby sister, Ethel Mae Miller.

Paula was a homemaker who was actively involved with the local Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Webber Jr. High. She volunteered with the local government, assisting in various capacities during local elections. She was always a believer in God, but recently accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior before her health took a significant decline.

Paula loved her family and friends. She was extremely proud of each of her children. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, watching game shows, doing crossword puzzles, and watching daytime soap operas. Paula was an awesome woman of strength, courage, faith, love, and joy. Her presence will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Paula leaves to cherish her memory five children, Melissa Simmons and Jerry Lynn Thompson, both of Saginaw, MI, James Carl Thompson of Lincoln, NE, Melinda (Todd) Lockett of Kalamazoo, MI, and Markee Thompson of Atlanta, GA; fifteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Jane McKinney of East St. Louis, IL and Ethel Mae Miller of Columbus, MS; three sisters-in-law, Lucille Jones of Brockton, MA, Earnestine Honey of Grenada, MS, and Jewel Honey-Love of Channelview, TX; two brothers-in-law, Lee (Diane) Honey of Memphis, TN and Sammie (Cathy) Honey of Garland, TX, a special daughter-in-law, Yolanda Thompson; a special godson, Kirk Floyd and foster child, Chanteau Patrick; special friends, Burl, Cynthia, Dennis, Diana, Faye, Felix, Linda, Steve, and Val, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, William and Eula (Eiland) Welch; her sisters, Bernice (Welch) Daniels; three brothers, William Welch, Jr., Howard Lee Welch, and A.D. “Eddie” Welch; son-in-law, Robert Simmons; and two great-grandsons, Octavione Nevitt and Elijah Griffin. 

Although she has departed from this earthly life, her life and legacy remain cherished in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.