Paula Gayle Mousighi

Paula Gayle (White) Mousighi, 63, of Houston, TX, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Born on January 9, 1961 in Amarillo, TX, Paula was the third of five beloved children of the late Bill White (1933-2020) and Jean White (1935-2021).

Paula spent her early life exploring different hometowns. After spending a few years in Amarillo (TX) after her birth, her dad’s job moved the family to Denver (CO), Glen Rock (NJ), and then finally to Houston (TX) where she graduated from Westchester Senior High School before moving to Austin (TX) to complete her bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas. Paula married in 1985 and began building her family shortly thereafter, welcoming her two children, Megan and Cameron, in 1988 and 1992.

Paula was a woman of exceptional intelligence. Her career as a highly skilled IT professional required sharp problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail, both of which she possessed in abundance. She spent the majority of her career in the oil and gas industry, working for various companies including Gulf Oil and Texaco, and she ultimately retired from Shell in 2017. Since her retirement, Paula continued to apply her intellect in various ways, diligently maintaining records as a member of her condo’s HOA board, and mastering mahjong with a close-knit group of friends.

Kindness was another of Paula’s defining traits, and it touched every aspect of her life. She was always ready with a warm smile, a hug, and a listening ear for those in need. Her calm and gentle demeanor made her a steadying presence in the lives of her family and friends. Whether she was offering thoughtful advice or simply sitting in quiet companionship, her ability to make others feel heard and valued was such a gift. Paula’s generosity extended beyond her immediate circle, as she was deeply involved in volunteering, most recently through Junior Forum, where she made a lasting impact on the community she served.

Paula’s faith was the quiet but unwavering foundation of her life. As a member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, she was committed to living out her core values of honesty, integrity, and compassion. She never sought attention for her faith, but instead lived it out daily in her actions. She always did what was right, even when it was difficult, and those who knew her best trusted her to be fair and honest in every situation.

Her devotion to her family was perhaps her greatest gift. Nothing brought Paula more joy than spending time with her grandson, Landon, especially when it meant cheering him on at his baseball games. Paula was the heart of her family, who knew they could always count on her for steadfast support, guidance, and love. Even in the busiest times of her life, she made sure to prioritize her loved ones, reminding them through both words and actions that they were always her greatest treasure.

Paula is survived by her daughter Megan (Mousighi) Hayes and son-in-law Justin Hayes, grandson Landon Hayes, her son Cameron Mousighi, and her sisters Janice Sikes and Catherine White. She is predeceased by her brother Tony White, sister Lois White, and her parents.

A memorial service will be held in Paula’s honor on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 10:00am in the Sanctuary of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Paula’s honor to Fatty Oxidation Disorders (FOD) research through the FOD Family Support Group (https://givebutter.com/FODGroup2024) or to the American Heart Association, both causes that were close to Paula's heart.