Paula Jean (Stafford) Bray, 70, left this world on Sunday, December 2, 2018. She is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Gary. She was preceded in death by both her parents, Alice (Davis) and Leo Stafford. She is survived by her older brother, James (Jim) Stafford and wife Darlene of Enid. Also by three daughters: Becca Bearden and husband Mark, and Hayden Taber. All of Tulsa. Lauren Cameron and husband Kevin of Oklahoma City. Also by eight grandchildren: Shelby Bearden, Callie Bearden, James Bearden, Sean Bearden, Adrian Taber, Brayden Taber, Sidney Cameron, and Benjamin Cameron.
Paula was born to Alice (Davis) and Leo Stafford on September 3, 1948, in Blackwell, OK. Paula was a 1966 graduate of Blackwell High School. While there, she was involved in Y-Teens, Thespian Society, Pep Club, Chorus, and Symphonic. She was also a candy striper and participated in the Junior Play.
After high school, Paula attended and graduated from Northern Oklahoma College where she met her future husband and made many life-long friends. She also participated in a spirit organization at Northern called the Mavettes.
Paula and Gary were married on June 8, 1968, in Blackwell, OK. They first resided in Tonkawa, OK where Paula worked for the Commerce Bank. They moved to Norman, OK in 1969 to continue their education. Their three girls were born while they lived in Norman. Paula put her education on hold to raise her daughters and be a marvelous mother and homemaker. She then went back to school attending the University of Oklahoma and later graduated from Central State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. Later, they moved to Tulsa where they have resided for the last 28 years. While working in Tulsa for Union Public schools, as a Business Technology teacher, she earned the distinction of being National Board Certified.
Paula has always volunteered in various organizations including her current church, Forest Park Christian Church, and the First Christian Church while in Norman. She also volunteered in her daughters' schools while in Norman. Later in Tulsa after retiring, Paula and Gary volunteered for Meals on Wheels and worked for the Tulsa county election board as precinct officials.
During her lifetime, Paula worked in many occupations. While attending her fiftieth high school Alumni meeting, she was recognized as the person who had worked more than forty different jobs. She held various administrative positions throughout her life, was an educator, and a real estate sales associate. She enjoyed playing Bunco with two different groups and exercised with the "Body by Gerry" group at First Methodist Church of Broken Arrow. She enjoyed traveling with friends as well.
Visitation will be 4-6pm, Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Moore's Southlawn Funeral Home, 9350 E. 51st Street, Tulsa, OK. The funeral service will be 10am, Wednesday, December 5 at Forest Park Christian Church, 9102 S. Mingo Rd., Tulsa, OK with the graveside service following at 3pm in Tonkawa I00F Cemetery located at 100 E Grand Ave., Tonkawa, OK. In lieu of flowers, family suggests contributions in Paula's memory to the American Cancer Society, 4110 S. 100th East Ave, Ste. 101, Tulsa, OK 74146. Moore Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com