Paula Lee Evans

Paula was born on December 4, 1947, in Tampa, Florida, to Neal and Lena Finch. She was raised in Tampa alongside her sisters, Susan and Antoinette, and attended Jefferson High School.

Paula enjoyed a successful career as an executive secretary at Wells Fargo, where she was widely respected for her meticulous attention to detail, professionalism, and strong work ethic. Throughout her life, she lived in several cities across the United States, including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; and ultimately Houston, Texas, which she proudly called home.

She was a longtime, devoted member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston. Paula was also an enthusiastic sports fan of both the Houston Astros and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She treasured time spent with close friends, enjoying dinners, movies, and games of Mahjong and Mexican Train. An avid traveler, Paula explored destinations across the United States—including Hawaii—as well as Germany, Greece, and Italy. Her fondest travel memories, however, were trips to Disney World. From the park’s opening in 1971, she visited dozens of times with her daughter, granddaughter and other family, creating cherished and lasting memories.

Paula is survived by her beloved daughter, Candace Stanley (Steven) of Katy, Texas; her granddaughter, Emma Fleming of Katy, Texas; her sisters, Susan Wheeler (Michael) of Tampa, Florida, and Antoinette Finch of Tampa, Florida; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Paula has been entrusted to the care of Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery in Houston, Texas. A funeral service will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home on February 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in her memory to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.