Paula Jean Anderson

A memorial service to honor her legacy of love will be held on Saturday, July 25th, at 1:00 p.m. at Shannon Funeral Home, located at 6001 Rufe Snow Drive, North Richland Hills, Texas 76148.

Born in Tarrant County on September 29th, 1951, to Luther and Pauline Long, Paula entered the world with a playful, adventurous, and determined spirit. Thus began a beautiful lifetime where she would never accept “no” as an answer.

A social butterfly of Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School Class of 1969, she was known primarily as a cheerleader and class sweetheart. However, she also snuck into as many club photos in her yearbook as she could, so as far as the Eagle of ‘69 yearbook is concerned, she was the most active and popular member of her class. She cherished these high school friendships for a lifetime and was actively involved in reunions and online group communications.

After high school, she met and married Robert Anderson. With his floppy hair and music skills, and a first official date at Six Flags Over Texas, he earned her attention which beautifully developed into a dedicated, everlasting love. Their affection thrived in a 56-year marriage full of fierce affection, deep laughter, and the playful noise of three cherished daughters. Debbie, Karen, and Robyn brought daily joy and purpose to Paula, and later she was gifted with four beloved grandchildren- and a great granddaughter on the way. For over 50 years, she pulled from a bottomless well of energy to model true, dedicated, and unconditional love for her family.

Above all, she lived by her unwavering faith in God. She was a child of Christ from birth, who looked to the Lord for strength, guidance, and joy. Whether it was singing in the choir, volunteering countless hours for the annual Christmas Pageant, or simply helping those in need within her community; Paula's greatest hope was to lead others to Christ. She dedicated herself to sharing His love, always ready to help guide anyone to meet Him and experience the joy she found in her devotion. Her legacy is one of compassion and grace, always guiding others toward God and sharing the joy she found in her faith.

Paula is survived by her husband, Robert James Anderson; her daughters, Debbie Jean Perry, Karen Lynn Stegall, and Robyn Anderson James; her sons-in-law Jermaine Stegall and Chris James; her grandchildren, Brooklyn Pierce, Quinn Perry, Maceo and Mayla Stegall; her grandson-in-law Zachary Pierce; her future great granddaughter Indigo Jean Pierce; her sister, Janis Cummings; her nephews, Michael Lamar, Timmy and Tommy Cummings; numerous great nephews and nieces; and her best four legged friend, Kobe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther “O.C.” or “Smiley” Long and Annette Pauline Wright Long, and numerous loved uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made to a charity of your choosing- a noteworthy cause close to her heart was Food for the Hungry. Paula lived a life for others, and we hope to maintain this spirit in remembrance of her God given purpose.

God Alone Understands.