Paula Cooper Powell

Paula Cooper Powell, a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in Waco, April 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and devotion that she carried throughout her life’s journey.

Paula’s visitation for family and friends will May 5, 2025, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Paula will be laid to rest Friday, May 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston, next to her beloved husband, John Hill Powell, who passed away suddenly in 1987.

Paula was born Betty Paula Stanley, November 7, 1940 in Cleburne, to the late Paul Stanley and Kathryn Isabella Teesdale Stanley. She was adopted by George Washington Cooper, when her mother remarried. Raised in the Cleburne and Houston areas, Paula went on to graduate from Lamar High School in Houston. Paula met her future husband, John Hill Powell, when family set them up on a blind date. After a short romance they married August 20. 1960. Paula worked as a bookkeeper in Waco until the family moved to Corsicana. John and Paula worked side by side from 1973 to 1985 at their family business in Corsicana, "Powell Oil", which was a wholesale distributor to Exxon. Paula moved back to the Waco to be closer to family several years after John’s passing and has lived in the area for the past 33 years.

Throughout her life, Paula was known for her joyful spirit and her indelible commitment to family. She was a proud mother to her daughter, Sherilyn Burnett and her husband, Duane, and her son, Keith Powell and his wife, Donna. Paula was particularly proud of her five grandchildren: David Burnett and his wife Rebecca, Preston Powell and his wife Courtney, Michael Burnett, Katie McSpadden and her husband, Ryan, and Grace Powell. Her love extended to her four great-grandchildren, Emma Powell, Elizabeth Burnett, Benjamin Burnett, and Nora Powell, all of whom brought her immense joy.

In addition to her cherished family, Paula was very involved with the P.E.O., a Philanthropic Education Organization, reflecting her passion for education and community service. She cherished the simple joys in life, taking pleasure in hobbies such as knitting, reading, and solving crossword puzzles. For over 37 years, Paula remained a widow, often sharing fond memories of her late husband, a testament to the lasting love they shared.

Paula leaves behind not only her immediate family but also a community that will remember her gentle spirit and unwavering strength. She will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Paula’s family is grateful for the loving care she received from the staff at The Residency at Ridgewood Assisting Living and the support and care from the nurses and staff of Bluebonnet Health Services.

Paula's family invites you to leave a message or a memory online in her "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com