Paula Poplin Stanley

Paula was born to William Grover and Elma Lee (Taylor) Poplin on March 2, 1922 in in Shelby County, Texas.

Paula married Carter Bernard Stanley in Freeport, Texas, on August 10, 1951.

Paula was raised on a farm in Shelby County, Texas, with her two brothers. The family moved to Center, Texas, when her father assumed the duties of Deputy Sheriff. She graduated from Center High School and maintained lifelong friendships with her classmates, enjoying class reunions for over 60 years. After graduation from Stephen F. Austin University, Paula taught Home Economics and Chemistry in several locations across the State. During World War II, she contributed to the war effort and was employed at Sheffield Steel Corporation as a chemist in Houston.

Paula came to Brazosport in 1949 to teach High School Home Economics and Adult classes. Here she met the love of her life, Carter “Stan” Stanley. Paula and Stan married and began their family in Freeport. She retired from teaching after the birth of her second child. She was active in PTA and as a Girl Scout leader. She and several other leaders with the South Texas Council for the Girl Scouts made a road trip from Texas to New York in the 1960s during the height of the Civil Rights movement, witnessing historic events firsthand. After the death of her husband in 1969, she raised her two teenage children on her own, seeing both graduate with college degrees.

A dedicated genealogist, Paula served a term as president of the Genealogy Society. She corresponded with people across the nation and traveled extensively to conduct research. Paula’s love for the subject and generosity with her own research helped many people add branches to their family trees, and she made many friends along the way. Her love of family, love of history, and sense of the value of the individual fueled her passion for the vocation. She remained active in her genealogical work until the end of her life.

Paula loved her family deeply. She put others first, sacrificing her time and energy for those she cared about, never refusing a call for help. She loved Texas and her country and was an avid follower of politics. She loved and honored the Lord, gently living out the Golden Rule.

Paula is preceded in death by parents, W. G. & Elma Poplin; brother W. G. “June” (Faye) Poplin; Bill (Joan) Poplin; and husband Carter B. “Stan” Stanley.

Paula is survived by daughter Jan Stanley; son James K. (Julie) Stanley; grandson Justin Taylor (Ashley) Stanley; granddaughter Mary Katherine (Jonathan) Pilmer; great-granddaughter Harper Elizabeth Stanley and many nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held at Restwood Funeral Home on July 5, 2017 from 6:00pm-8:00pm

Funeral Service will be held at Restwood Funeral Home on July 6, 2017 at 2:00pm, followed by the graveside