Obituary of Paula Lynette Deadwyler

Paula Lynette Deadwyler, affectionately known as Princess Paula, was born to Mildred and Claude J. Reid on July 22, 1959 in Cleveland, Ohio. After a valiant fight with early-onset Alzheimer disease, Paula transitioned to her eternal resting place in the morning hours on her favorite day of the week, Sunday, May 30, 2021. She was the middle sibling of Wendy (Reid) Simpkins and Anthony Reid and like a sister to her lifelong best friend, Denise Silva. The depth of Paula's love and the sparkle of her personality can hardly be expressed in just these words nor will the dash between her sunrise and sunset ever convey the true blessing she was to so many, but here goes... Paula received her formal education in the Baltimore City Public School System, attending Belmont Elementary School, William H. Lemmel Middle School and graduating from Western High School – the oldest all-girls public high school in the United States, where she was active as a Fashionette and as a member of the Drill Team. As a Western "dove," she truly lived her life in the spirit of the school's motto: "We have received light; let us give forth light." Smart, resilient and purpose-driven, Paula – also known as 'Bubbles' by her dear college friend Susan – attended the University of Maryland, College Park enjoying college life as an Alpha Phi Alpha Queen. She later transferred and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Baltimore, earning a Bachelor's in accounting (a major encouraged by her brother-in-law, Eddie Simpkins, who saw potential in her as a finance executive in his HVAC business). Her career pathway led her to the Baltimore Housing Authority where she quickly climbed the ranks to assistant manager and also played cupid to her mentee Henry Johnson, handpicking him as the husband for her niece, Laura. Helping people was second nature to Paula, and all the residents and kids loved her there, but make no mistake...she'd issue an eviction in a heartbeat if you didn't pay the rent! She continued in property management for many years followed by a stint as a daycare owner because she absolutely loved children and claimed the title of God mommy to so many little angels. Highly regarded as the best babysitter ever (by her little cousin Nicole, nephew Marcus and too many other children to name), everything was fun and games with many treks to Kings Dominion along the way. From daycare owner to job counselor, her gift of compassion led her to Goodwill Industries/Bon Secours as a jobs counselor helping people become gainfully employed. From Paula's first marriage to Michael Gardner, her pride and joy entered this world – daughter Marisa Alease Gardner, her precious jewel and a miracle baby weighing just a little over one pound. Through fervent prayer and pure love, Paula poured everything into Marisa to help her thrive and to give her a good life full of enriching experiences...from dance recitals, beauty pageants, trips or teacher conferences, nothing brought Paula more joy than wearing the crown of motherhood. She even garnered a feature story in The Baltimore Times newspaper when she hosted a fancy, backyard tea party where Marisa and her little friends donned white gloves and frilly dresses while savoring dainty sandwiches and sweet treats. She gained celebrity status again in the local media when Governor William Donald Schaffer passed away and the funeral procession stopped at his former residence on Edgewood Street, where Paula lived for many years before moving into New Life Assisted Living. She told the news media: "I still receive his many invitations to the symphony and parties. I've been tempted to attend them but never did." A hopeless romantic and "groupie" of the Royal Family, she loved the fairytale life of Princess Diana and the entire Royal Family. In believing love is patient, Paula eventually found her own prince, Reginald (Reggie) Deadwyler, in the church choir at Transformation Church of Jesus Christ, and they married on May 26, 2001, in Baltimore, Maryland in her own version of a "royal" wedding." Paula loved being wifey to her 'Pokey,' as she called him, and coming up with creative expressions of her love like treating him as a King for the Day with a limousine ride to a dinner theater experience to see Anna and the King. Family – her biological and church family – was everything to Paula, and she delighted in serving the Lord very early in life at Ames Memorial United Methodist Church in Baltimore, MD and, later, through active involvement as greeter, in the choir, and many ministries at First United Church of Jesus Christ and later Transformation Church of Jesus Christ under the leadership of Bishop Monroe Saunders, Sr. and Pastor Bishop Monroe Saunders, Jr, D.Min. Family holiday gatherings and down home meals meant the world to Paula. Serving as the master Christmas tree decorator for her Cousins Linda, Beverly, and her Aunt Grace, Paula joyfully and gingerly took on this task with the reward of her favorite steak dinner after the tree trimming. In later years, she treasured the annual Kwanza celebration hosted by Cousins Bonnie and Ronnie. As an event 'maven' for baby showers, tea and dinner parties, weddings and more, she would blissfully bring a basketful of tulle, butter mints and silk flowers for any occasion that called for it, along with an eclectic music playlist that likely included her favorite artists like Chris Botti, Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, Dionne Warwick and yes, Elvis Presley. Truly, any event that gave her an excuse to trek to Michael's Craft Store, use her glue gun, or got her on the dance floor with Parliament's 'Flashlight' song -- put her in a happy place! Paula was the 'social rock' of her many sister circles and never missed a beat in celebrating others. Paula brought life, laughter, and love to everyone she encountered, always offering a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, funny stories, a helping hand or the Almighty Word of God. She was a praying woman, a God-fearing, dutiful wife and fierce-loving soul; always giving of herself with never an expectation of receiving anything in return. We're certain her "love language" was that of words and deeds as she always shared and showed how much she cared for someone through random acts of kindness, handwritten notes and through thoughtful love letters she once gifted to her sister Wendy, daughter Marisa and niece, Laura where Paula wrote: "You were born, and I fell head over heels in love. I enjoyed playing 'Mommy' and was very involved in your life as you were growing up." She ended the letter with: "The bible says that God loves you with an everlasting love. My love for you is the same. It will last from here through eternity." To honor and cherish her memory, she leaves: Husband - Reginald Deadwyler, Daughter - Marisa Gardner Gray (Anthony), Sister - Wendy Simpkins (the late Eddie Simpkins) Brother - Anthony (Tony) Reid, Grandchildren – Mason and Chase, Niece - Laura Johnson (Henry), Nephew - Marcus Simpkins (Kicharne), Great Nephews – Marcus Simpkins, Jr., and Miles Simpkins, Great Niece - Meagan Simpkins. Great Great Niece – Milan Latoya Linder Mother-in-Love - Marian Deadwyler, Brother-in-Love - Karl Deadwyler (Catherine) Sister-in-Love - Renee Deadwyler, Nieces-in-Love - Lauren Estevez and Tracey Johnson Very Special Cousins: Beverly Boston (the late Frank D. Boston, Jr), Bonnie Green (Ronald), Nicole Green, the late Daniel Green, Linda Brown (Edward), Michael Brown, Carmen Boston, Frank Boston (Vanessa), Portia Boston, Kenya Boston, the late Herbert Johnson (Rita), Karen Cottingham (Michael), Mark Johnson, Crag Johnson, Lenora Brown (James) Walter Adams Sr., Walter Adams Jr., Phyllis Adams, Eunice Adams-Sipp (Lorenzo). Godson - Robbie McFadden Her parents Mildred and Claude Reid and her first born, Kelly Gardner, preceded her in death. There is also a legion of many loving sister-friends, birthday group, bible study prayer warriors, colleagues and so many others who will miss Paula immensely Calling hours will be Friday, June 25, 2021, from 5:00-7:00PM at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD. On Saturday, June 26, 2021, Services for Mrs. Deadwyler will be held at Vaughn Greene, Randallstown Chapel, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD at 10:00AM. The interment will take place at Arbutus Memorial Park, 1101 Sulphur Spring Rd, Baltimore, MD 21227 immediately following services.