Paula Terri Unger

Paula Terri Barfield Unger passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025. A Visitation will be held at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home Wednesday, July 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held the following morning at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, July 17, at Lake Shore Baptist Church. Those wishing to pay their respects and celebrate Paula’s life are welcome to attend.

Paula was born September 15, 1963, at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, Texas, to Peggy Barfield and Harlin “Sonny” Barfield. She attended Mountainview Elementary, Lake Air Junior High and graduated from Richfield High School in 1981. She was a Richfield Ram, through and through, a lieutenant on the drill team, and a senior favorite. She attended the University of Texas and Baylor University, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology. Over the course of her career, she taught at Texas State University, Baylor University, and McLennan Community College (MCC). At MCC, she found her professional home, working for many years as a beloved professor, grant program director, and academic advisor. She was deeply committed to education, her students, and her colleagues.

Paula was a devoted mother to her two children, Clive Unger (28) and Camille Unger (25). Together, they shared a love of art, music, and discussing life’s curiosities. Suppertime at their home often became spirited conversations about politics, history, sociology, philosophy or, of course, music. As a teacher and a mother, Paula fostered in her kids a passion for truth, curiosity, and connection.

Paula loved Texas and Americana Music. She worked with Texas Music Café and spent many nights dancing and listening at Gruene Hall, the Continental Club, The Kessler, Sons of Herman Hall and other iconic music venues. Her love for music expanded the tastes of everyone around her.

Paula is survived by her two children, Clive and Camille Unger; her husband, Michael Vieregg; her stepdaughters, Emily Vieregg and Katie Vieregg; her mother, Peggy Barfield; and her brothers, Keith, Rusty, and Neal Barfield.

Please consider honoring Paula’s memory by contributing to scholarships at McLennan Community College Foundation. Checks can be mailed to 1400 College Drive Waco, TX 76712 or given online at https://www.mclennan.edu/foundation.

The family invites you to leave a message or a memory of Paula in her “Memorial Guesbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.