Paula D. French

Paula French was born on March 27, 1949, in Connersville, Indiana to Ralph Poe and Pauline Scoville. It was in Connersville that she met, fell in love with, and married her husband, Gary French. Gary and

Paula’s enduring love story only grew stronger over the years with their marriage of 59 years.

Paula loved sports, politics, cooking, and shopping. She was an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts, holding season tickets since they arrived in Indianapolis back in 1984. Her passion for politics led her to volunteering with the League of Women Voters where she served as co-president from 1995-1997 and remained on the board from 1999-2003. Paula’s love for shopping created traditions and memories for her children and grandchildren, from Black Friday shopping to the appreciation of a good purse. Paula adored her family and held them close to her heart. She always made holidays and birthdays even more special with her baking and cooking.

Paula is recognized as an expert in HIV prevention and has focused much of her career on the treatment and prevention of HIV and other STIs. In 1995, Paula developed and managed the Youth at Risk Program at Indiana Cares. In 2003 she co-founded Step-Up Incorporated which is dedicated to improving the health of underserved communities and addressing health equity in the LGBTQ community. Paula was an HIV/AIDS health warrior. She oversaw numerous influential programs to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections in Central Indiana working for Indiana Cares, the Health Foundation, and the Indiana Department of Health. She served on numerous boards, committees and councils sharing her expertise which included Ryan White Services Council, Indiana Community Planning Group, Girls Inc, Jameson Camp Advisory Committee, and the United Way of Central Indiana.

Paula is proceeded in death by her father, Ralph Poe, mother, Pauline Scoville, brothers Mark and Steve Poe, son, Michael French, and grandson, Joseph Dane.

She is survived by her husband, Gary French; daughter, Tammy (Jim) Dagey and daughter, Heather (Tom) Dane; grandchildren: Adam Duncan, Ashley (Adam) Rothrock, Elizabeth (Matt) Duncan, Bradley (Taylor) French, Hope (Austin) French, and Mikayla Dane; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Jeff Poe; 13 nieces and nephews and a myriad of extended family and friends.

In leu of flowers, donations may be sent to Step-Up Inc at Step-Up, Inc. - HIV Services, Testing, Education & Prevention (stepupin.org)