Addie Belle Paulson

Addie Belle Paulson, 90, of Evansville, passed away Friday, March 31, 2017, at Charlier Hospice Center. She was born October 17, 1926, in Miami, Florida, to the late Hubert H. Fleming and Annie Lou Russel.

Raised by mother, Annie Lou, she had four sisters and attended Ponce De Leon High School in Miami, Florida. She left school to work on the military base in the commissary at the age of 15… yes, she lied about her age. It was in 1944 when she met her soon to be husband, Ray. She was married to Ray E. Smith on January 17, 1945 in Jacksonville, Florida until he passed away on February 17, 1982.

Addie always was a very beautiful lady, so it’s no surprise that working on a military base during WW II brought many “unusual” circumstances for women. When she and her girlfriends went out for the evening, they would use pseudo names…Addie Belle was known as “Gail”. It was under that name that she met her future husband Ray – who, along with most of their lifelong friends - called her Gail. Church friends and family friends to this day call her “Gail” and let’s add “Gabby” in front of that…but when she met her second husband, Silas Paulson…it was her desire to be known as Addie Belle…and that she was.

Addie Belle was introduced to Silas Paulson by a longtime family friend and they were married from 1985 until he passed in 2013.

Addie Belle was a Christian and member of Memorial Baptist Church, Washington Avenue Baptist Church and Christian Fellowship Church and was very active throughout her life in church activities. She taught Sunday School, was active in women and senior groups and sang in the church choir.

She was very active in her family’s lives and very proud of each and every one. She was a giving, loving mother and friend and left many wonderful memories. She left this world as an inspiration to all those that knew her and now resides with her heavenly father.

Addie Belle “Gail” has two daughters, Rita Phillips (Daniel) of Henderson, Kentucky and Denise Leslie (Charles) of Bayfield, Colorado. She has five grandchildren Stacie Neuhoff (Steve), Todd Phillips (Stephanie), Kristin Largent, Kaylin Largent and Nolan Largent (Nicole) and eight great-grandchildren: Sarah Neuhoff-Carey, Nathan Neuhoff, Jaelynn Phillips, Carson Phillips, Kai Largent, Blake Largent and Jensen Largent, Malachi Kempf.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by Pastor Katie Griffin, with burial at Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery, 7810 Marx Road. Friends may visit Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.