Betty "Jean" Paul passed away peacefully at the age of 93 at St. John's Medical Center on January 29, 2019. Born on October 8, 1925 in Tulsa to J.W and Alma Redden, she was a life-long Tulsan and graduated from Central High School in 1943. Jean discovered a love for figure skating at an early age, a passion that would last her lifetime and included an invitation to join the Ice Capades in 1943. She opted to finish school and attended William Woods College and then the University of Tulsa where she pledged Chi Omega sorority and studied music. She married her high school sweetheart, John W. Paul ("Jack") on February 17, 1945, a few days after his return from Europe where he flew 35 missions over Germany in WWII. Their marriage lasted for 69 years until Jack's death in 2014.
Jean's primary roles following her marriage were that of homemaker and mother. In addition, she pursued volunteer activities which included Chi Omega and the Tulsa Figure Skating Club, where she judged compulsory figures and local competitions. Her favorite skating activities were organizing and participating in the annual Ice Travaganza as well as the Royal Blades, a precision line figure skating team. Jean would perform with this group until the age of 65, when an on-ice injury forced her to hang up her skates. Other favorite activities were playing bridge, golfing with her friends at Cedar Ridge Country Club, and volunteering at John Knox Church where she served as a deacon. After her children left for college, Jean pursued a career in real estate, first with Ted Sherwood Realtors and later with Chuck Patterson Realtors, a profession she enjoyed until her retirement at age 78. As she did everywhere she went, Jean made wonderful friends during her days in real estate. Her last years were spent at St. Simeon's Senior Community where she was loved for her positive attitude, laughter, and serving spirit. Her family is forever grateful for the loving and compassionate care provided her at St. Simeon's.
Jean is survived by her son John R. Paul and wife Marcia of Tulsa, daughter Melinda Stimpson and husband Tom of Colleyville TX; 4 grandchildren, Whitney Randolph (Greg) of Southlake, TX, Lindsey Wyrick (Paul) of Dallas, TX, Jennifer Campbell (Rob) of Bozeman, MT, and Jonathan Paul of Tulsa; 5 great-grandchildren, Cade and Cole Randolph, Alice and Will Campbell, and Sutton Wyrick.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 11 AM at John Knox Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends at Moore Southlawn on Friday, February 15, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. Those wishing to honor Jean's memory may contribute to St. Simeon's Senior Community or John Knox Presbyterian Church. Share memories at www.moorefuneral.com .