Paula Denise Woodall

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, North Carolina.

A private graveside service will be held at the family's request.

She was born in Johnston County on March 16, 1964 to Betty Sue Otto Woodall and the late Eugene Douglas Woodall.

Raised on a family farm in rural Johnston County, Paula learned early the meaning of responsibility and perseverance through long summers working in tobacco fields alongside her family. That upbringing shaped both her character and her lifelong commitment to agriculture. She graduated high school in 1982 and went on to attend North Carolina State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy. Later, she completed a Master of Science in Business Management from NC State’s Poole College of Management.

Paula devoted 39 years of her professional life to agricultural lending and business development, serving farmers across eastern North Carolina and ultimately the entire state. Beginning her career with Farm Credit, she helped farming families navigate some of the most challenging years in modern agricultural history. Her strength as a lender came not only from her financial expertise, but from her firsthand understanding of farming—its risks, rewards, and realities.

She later joined First Citizens Bank & Trust Company, where she became a trusted leader in agribusiness development and environmental review, always focused on protecting both farmers and the land they stewarded.

Throughout her career, Paula was known as someone farmers could trust, often calling or stopping by simply to ask her advice. She believed that understanding both the financial and production sides of agriculture was essential to building operations that could endure and be passed on to the next generation.

Paula was equally committed to service and education. She spent decades supporting agricultural and educational organizations connected to NC State University and her local community. Passionate about youth development, she worked tirelessly to create opportunities for hands-on learning, leadership, and exposure to agriculture for students. Her involvement in 4-H, FFA, and other youth programs reflected her belief in preparing young people not just for careers, but for life.

Above all, Paula was a devoted mother who proudly shared her love of NC State with her children, both graduates of the university. She took great joy in watching her children follow paths rooted in agriculture and leadership, continuing the traditions and values she held dear.

Paula Woodall’s life was one of service, integrity, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on through the farmers she helped, the students she inspired, the land she worked to protect, and the family she loved so deeply.

In addition to her mother, Paula is survived by her son, Paul Eldridge; her daughter, Emily Eldridge; her brother, Doug Woodall; and her sister, Jo Woodall-Kornegay (Kelvin).

Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.

In lieu of flowers, it was Paula's wish that you consider making a donation in support of the Paula D. Woodall Family Endowment to the NC Agricultural Foundation, Campus Box 7645, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695-7645 or online at go.ncsu.edu/woodallfamilyendowment. Please include "Paula Woodall" in the memo line of a check or note online.

McLaurin Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.