Paulette Hopkins Michael

Paulette Hopkins Michael, 69, of Orlando, FL died September 16, 2014 of cancer. Born in Atlanta, GA, on May 12, 1945, she moved to Florida at age 6. She was a graduate of Evans High School, Valencia Community College and University of Central Florida. She was a National Board Certified Teacher. From 1995-1996 Paulette served as Worthy Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star Orlando Chapter. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Lincolnton, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Lillian Prater, son William D. Hopkins, Jr. (Billy) and bonus daughter, Karen Michael. Survivors: husband, Thomas O. Michael; Children: Dennette Peninger (Tony), Denise Hopkins, both of Winter Haven, and Ronald Hopkins (Linda) Orlando. 2 bonus sons Thomas and Steven Michael, Apopka; 6 grandchildren Toni and Christopher Peninger, Jennifer Pelham , Jessica and Jaime Plummer and Devin Hopkins. 3 bonus grandsons Austin, Tyler and Cameron Michael, 4 great granddaughters Lacey, Madison, Taylor and Callie. Special nieces Michelle Johns and Donna Wittenmeyer, both of Arizona and several other nieces and nephews.

Paulette had an extraordinary 32 year teaching career at Pine Hills Elementary School, the same school she attended as a child. She was named Teacher of the Year in 1996 and received numerous other awards for her dedication to education. Upon her retirement, the school dedicated the library to her dubbing it the Paulette Michael Media Center. She moved to Lincolnton, NC in 2007 and enjoyed gardening, travelling and socializing with her church family. She spent her days revitalizing the church library and helping others. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd at Woodlawn Funeral Home at 10:00 A.M. The family will accept friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: Paulette Michael Media Center at Pine Hills Elementary School 1006 Ferndell Road, Orlando, FL 32808 407-296-6500. Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, FL.