Ms. Paula Leighton James

Paula was born on May 9, 1962, to Paul and Joan Leighton of Enid, Oklahoma. Paula showed an early aptitude for fashion and sales, beginning with her Valedictorian graduation from Wade’s Fashion Merchandising College in 1985. Paula was inducted into the National Math Honors Society and graduated magna cum laude from Irving High School in 1980.

Paula pursued her career in the fashion and sales industry, working as a traveling sales associate at the Dallas Apparel Mart, and as a sales manager at Kirkland Ltd. Paula then worked at Impress Designs for 15 years and at Enlightening Sales for the past 10 years.

Paula was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to her family. She loved to read and was known for her kindness and poise. Paula never left her house without makeup or a stylish outfit and accessories. Her laugh was legendary. She always had a goodie bag full of treats in her purse for her grandchildren whom she loved to spoil. Above all else, she was a woman of deep faith in God and cherished her Christian music.

Paula is survived by her children: Madalyn and Justin Burkhart; Nicole and Justin Newberry. Her grandchildren: Wyatt Burkhart, and Madilynn Newberry. Her mother: Joan Leighton. Her siblings: Cheryl and Ron Mason; Steve and Michelle Leighton. Her cousin: Jeff Rushcha. Her nieces and nephews: Valerie, Jeffrey, Riley, Caleb, Nicholas, Harrison, Michael, Lacy, Ashlee, and Chris. Her great nieces and nephews: Jeremiah and Ronni. Paula was preceded in death by her father, Paul Leighton.

A memorial service for Paula will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Bedford, Texas on Tuesday, May the 9th at 11:30 AM, with a reception immediately following to gather and celebrate Paula’s life. Following the reception there will be a procession to Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park at 2:00 PM, in Colleyville, Texas where Paula will be laid to rest.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bluebonnethills.com for the James family.