Paula Preston

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Paula Jean Payne Preston, who left this world far too soon at the age of 61 on May 4, 2025.

Paula was born in Birmingham, Alabama on September 3, 1963. She attended Homewood High School and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1985, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Paula had a successful career in Human Resources for over 30 years. Most recently Paula worked as a Human Resources Consultant at Children’s of Alabama, where she was greatly valued for her expertise and dedicated service of 17 years.

More than anything, Paula was a devoted and loving mother to her two beautiful children, Brett and Bailey. They were the center of her universe, her greatest source of pride and joy and the heart of her world. She poured her heart into their lives, filling their days with love, laughter, and lessons that will carry them forward. Though her time here was far too short, she filled their lives with happiness, strength, and unwavering love. Her legacy lives on in their bright eyes, their kindness, and the courage she instilled in them every single day.

Paula was a bright light in every room she entered and a soul full of warmth, humor, and boundless compassion. Her vibrant spirit was contagious, her laughter unforgettable, and her unwavering optimism a beacon to all who knew her. Paula never lost her positive spirit or joy even as she fought her illness for the past five (5) months.

Paula’s laugh was infectious, her smile unforgettable, and her presence comforting beyond words. Paula lived her life with joy and intention, finding beauty in ordinary moments and spreading warmth wherever she went.

Paula’s love for life radiated through the smallest moments: Alabama football games, dancing to all types of music, chats with her Fab Five group, her love of flowers, chasing sunsets at the beach, her cat Bandit and sharing silly inside jokes with her children.

Paula is survived by her children, Brett and Bailey, and a wide circle of family and friends who will carry her memory with love and gratitude. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Vida Jean Kendrick Payne and father, Paul Townsley Payne, whose guidance and love shaped her into the incredible woman she became. We find comfort in knowing she is now reunited with them, embraced once again by the love that raised her. Paula is also preceded in death by her brother, Paul Townsley Payne, Jr.

A celebration of Paula’s life will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Research at P.O. Box 4119, Arlington, VA 22204 in Paula’s name.