Paula Driggers Kemp

Paula Driggers Kemp, 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Paula was born in Jacksonville, Florida and lived there her entire life. Paula attended Robert E. Lee High School. As an adult, she worked in various roles in the Jacksonville community. She began her career as a secretary for the Veterans Administration, then worked as a civilian at two naval bases, Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Air Station Cecil Field. She was secretary to the Navy Supply Officer and Commanding Officer of these bases. Paula was a proud working woman even before it was popular for young mothers to work. She always took great pride in her career path and enjoyed the many interesting people she encountered over the years through her jobs. She retired when Naval Air Station Cecil Field closed in 1999. Paula was a member of LifePoint Christian Fellowship and also enjoyed attending services at Jacksonville First Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Paula loved the simple, but important things in life: nature, reading, a cup of hot coffee, her faith, going out to eat, seeing a movie in a theater, the Florida Gators, but most of all, her family. She took tremendous pride in the fact that her only child was an educator for over forty years and was married to the best son-in-law she could ever wish for. She also found joy in that her grandchildren had become successful young adults with whom she forged close, special bonds.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Gertrude Driggers, brother, Wayne Driggers, and beloved husbands, Edward Stevens and Robert Kemp. Her survivors include her daughter, Kim Petersen (Scott); grandchildren Andrew Petersen (Kara) and Rachel Petersen; great-grandchild, Taylor; brother, Thomas Driggers (Doris) and several nieces and nephews.

Though she is no longer with us, Paula (or “Nana” as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren and great-grandchild) will be greatly missed and her legacy of love, kindness and faith will live on in the memories and hearts of all of those who were blessed to know her.