It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Paula Harper Sanders, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who passed away at home on August 18, 2024, at the age of 72, surrounded by her loving children. Paula was a woman whose life was a testament to love, resilience, and the beauty found in simple joys.
Paula was born on September 2, 1951, in Little Rock Arkansas to the late James Paul Harper and Doris Jean Killough Harper. Her early childhood years were spent in England, AR, then Arkadelphia, AR before moving to the MS Delta with her family after high school. She told many wonderful stories about growing up in Arkansas with her cousins being like sisters to her, and all the fun memories she had with friends in high school. She was preceded in death by her husband Walter Allen Sanders and her brother James Clayton Harper.
Paula was a devoted mother to her three children, son Harper Cribbs Ross (Kim) of Leland, MS; daughter Stephanie Ross Stewart (Karen) of Oxford, MS; and daughter April Ross Barranco (David) of Johns Creek, GA. who each brought her immense pride and joy. Her love extended to her many grandchildren Hayden Earling Stewart (Tyler) of Oxford, MS; Hunter Ross Stewart (Landry) of Oxford, MS; James Harland Stewart of Canton, MS; Harper Cribbs Ross, Jr. of Leland, MS; Anne Journeay Ross of Leland, MS; Mary Allen Arnold Barranco of Johns Creek, GA; Luke David Barranco of Johns Creek, GA; Samuel Harper Barranco of Johns Creek, GA; and three great-grandchildren all of whom were the light of her life. She found great happiness in being a constant presence in their lives, offering wisdom, comfort, and unconditional love.
Growing up in a farming family and her love of flowers, Paula spent countless hours tending to her plants and flowers, finding peace and fulfillment in the soil beneath her hands and the blossoms that emerged from her care.
Paula was also a voracious reader, her home filled with books that spanned genres and eras. She found solace and adventure within the pages of her favorite novels and was known for sharing her love of reading with friends and family alike.
Her friendships were a source of great comfort and joy. Paula never met a stranger and the instant connection she had with everyone she met was so special. Paula was a loyal and generous friend, always ready with a kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand. Her big smile, gentle non judgemental spirit, sense of humor, and warm heart touched all who knew her, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength.
In her final moments, Paula was surrounded by the family she had devoted her life to, a testament to the deep bonds of love she nurtured throughout her life. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
A service will be held to honor her life at Boone Funeral Home in Greenville, MS at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 23. Visitation preceding the service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Greenville Cemetery.
Rest in peace Momma, your love will continue to bloom in the hearts of those who love you.