Paula Homer

Paula Homer, 69, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 in Southlake, Texas. Paula was born to Patricia C. and Hubert J. Homer on March 18, 1953 in Hereford, Texas. She graduated from Pampa High School in 1971. From there she pursued her musical talent by obtaining a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance in 1975 from St. Mary’s College at Notre Dame and her Master’s in Choral Conducting in 1977 from Indiana University.

Paula’s 40-year career, focused on teaching singing-acting, directing, and producing opera, began in 1978 at Angelo State University where she served as Instructor, Stage Director, Director of Choral Activities and Director of Opera. While there, she was known for having her students present lively madrigal dinners every year and for Opera Without Elephants productions designed to help more people appreciate opera. In 1982, she founded OperaWorks, inc., a traveling company that brought opera productions to small communities across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas. She also created KidCo Arts, which brought musical theater into schools.

From 1993 – 2000, Paula co-directed the Des Moines Opera Apprentice Artists Program, where she mentored young professional singers. In 1992, Paula joined the University of North Texas College of Music faculty as Director of Opera. During her tenure at UNT, she stage directed more than 50 full productions and worked with more than 1,000 students. Paula led the charge to grow the UNT Opera program, working to hire more faculty and create a dedicated performance space, UNT’s Lyric Theater. It was in the Lyric Theater, on a set for a production of The Marriage of Figaro, that Paula married her beloved husband, Rick Hoefer, in 2009. In 2012, Paula was selected as the first Margot and Bill Winspear Chair in Opera Studies.

Outside of her professional life, Paula loved hiking and being in the beauty of nature. She had a special love for Camp Mary White, a rustic girls’ camp located in the mountains near Mayhill, New Mexico. Paula’s camp nickname was “Robin,” so named for her skill at archery but also a good fit for her lovely singing voice. She spent many summers at camp, including as camp director from 1977 to 1984. She helped form the Friends of Camp Mary White, which is dedicated to continuing the camp and its legacy. The friendships formed through shared adventures at camp were among her most treasured.

Paula is survived by her husband, Rick Hoefer, their daughter Sharon Hoefer and her husband Nathan Clarkston, and by brother Patrick Homer and his wife Ann Danowitz and sister Pam Homer and her husband James Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paula's memory may be made to Friends of Camp Mary White, 5109 82nd Street, Unit 7, #1166, Lubbock, Texas 79424, https://www.friendsofcampmarywhite.com/giving; Paula Homer Opera Scholarship, UNT Foundation (Memo line Paula Homer Opera Scholarship), 1155 Union Circle #311250, Denton, Texas 76203, https://opera.music.unt.edu/support-unt-opera; and Michael J. Fox Foundation, https://www.michaeljfox.org. There will be a private burial for Paula's family. A memoriacl service will be scheduled at a later date.