Tributes

Paula Sue Williams Vernon, 81, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026. Born on December 13, 1944, Paula lived a life defined by faith, love, kindness, and devotion to her family. She was the beloved wife of Richard Lee Vernon and a devoted mother whose love and guidance shaped the lives of her children. Paula was known for her gentle heart, generous spirit, and unwavering love for others. She was the sweetest, most loving, and compassionate woman, always caring for those around her and putting the needs of others before her own. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, and few things brought her greater joy than sharing her gifts in the kitchen. She loved baking breads, cakes, candies, and all manner of sweet confections, delighting family and friends with the creations she made with love. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Paula loved the Lord with all her heart. She faithfully shared that love with her children, teaching them to trust in God and to build their lives upon the foundation of faith. Her relationship with Jesus was the guiding light of her life and a source of strength through every season. More than anything, Paula cherished her family. They were the center of her world and her greatest blessing. She was happiest when surrounded by those she loved, creating memories that will be treasured for generations to come. Paula was preceded in death by her infant son, Gregory Lee Vernon. She is survived by her husband, Richard Lee Vernon; her daughter, Deb Dietz and her husband, Don Dietz; her daughter, Dawna Frailly and her husband, Doug Frailly; her grandson, Derek Queen and his wife, Katie Queen; and her cherished great-granddaughter, Kassidy Queen. She is also survived by extended family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and love. Paula's absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, compassion, generosity, and unconditional love will live on in the countless lives she touched. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord she loved so dearly. To honor Paula's bright and joyful life, the family encourages guests to dress comfortably and casually by wearing bright colors in her memory. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, with a graveside service to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville. The family also requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriner's Hospital for Children https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/ways-to-give/donate?utm_source=chatgpt.com or VIA Health Partners (Hospice and Palliative Care), 7600 Little Ave, Charlotte, NC 28277.

Tributes

Paula Williams Vernon

December 13, 1944 - June 3, 2026