Paula Jean Burgess, lovingly referred to as “Shorty” by her father, was born on February 24, 1953 in Columbus, OH. She departed her earthly home on June 21, 2023.
Paula graduated in the class of 1971 from West High School. She was employed with the United States Postal Service for 29 years as a mail carrier and clerk.
Paula was heavily involved in her community and was passionate about contributing her time volunteering at the local community shelters where she served in many different roles.
She served on the CRC Board for Glenwood Community Center from 2010-2016. She volunteered faithfully during holiday and senior events.
In her spare time Paula enjoyed playing Bingo with her sister, Pamela, and her daughters. Game nights with her children and grandchildren were always a highlight. She took winning very seriously.
Paula was preceded in death by her father and mother, Paul R. and Paris (Bowman) Taylor, Sr., a host of aunts and uncles, cousins, and her nephew, Christopher Taylor.
Paula leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Stephen Burgess; children, Yvonne Taylor, Gregory Johnson, Michael Johnson, Donald Johnson, Evette Langston, Matthew Johnson, Mikkel Johnson, Ein (Destiny) Johnson, Kara Johnson, Eli (Tanisha) Johnson, Parris Johnson, Tamar Johnson, Dionne Johnson and Kela Johnson Tomeka Howell and Carmen Mitchell; thirty-four grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, siblings, Carol A. Taylor, Pamela (Pattrick) Turner, Paul R. (Gilda) Taylor, Jr., and Deborah Scobey, Special Cousin Cynthia Bowman-Okafor, Special friend; Dee Dee Cradle, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Paula had a caring and giving nature. She loved well and was well loved.
Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 11:00 AM Friday, July 7, 2023 at Trinity Baptist Church, 461 St. Clair Ave.
Interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.
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We have you in our Prayers
…. The Wilson Family
I’ve known this family over 40 years. She truly had a sweet spirit. I never had a negative encounter with her. She opened up her home to me and let me live on Champion. Everytime I seen her at the post office on Innis she would smile, speak and ask me how I’m doing. I send my condolences to Steve and all her children SHE TRULY WAS A STRONG BLACK WOMAN WHO GENUINELY LOVED ALL HER KIDS AND SHOWED KINDNESS TO PEOPLE. She was a woman of Faith!
May GOD bless and comfort you during your bereavement. I will continue praying for the family.
Hello Columbus family!!! Paula and I were close in age and most of my time in Columbus during the summers were spent with her!!! Oh what fun and memories!!! Love and peace to you all !!!!
My deepest condolences to the family, Paula was a dear family and lifelong friend.
On behalf of the Edwards family, I extend sincere condolences to the Taylor and Burgess families. We all grew up in the same neighborhood and attended the same church as young people.
Until we meet again in glory…rest well, sister.
My sincerest condolences to the rest of the family. I will continue to keep all of the family in my prayers. May she rest in eternal peace.
To the family and friends of Paula Burgess. Sorry for your loss. Praying for all.
I love you n will miss you heavy never though you be gone soon I loved the times we had growing up going to rec n staying with u in the summer I was always around my grandmather growing up loved her with everything in me she stayed looking out when she lived with my me n my mom she would cook breakfast them rice cakes imma miss u frl this hit deep to my core
My Condolences and Prayers to your family
Be strong and courages…Joshua 1:9.
Friend/Houston Sister of Carolyn
My deepest condolences and prayers for each of you during this time. Please feel free to let me know if you need anything.
I want to extend my condolences to the Taylor Family. I have known them all my life on Oakley Avenue. It was always a pleasure running into Paula throughout the years. My tears are that that will not happen here on this earth. I pray for my buddy Greg’s babies (who aren’t babies) who have lost both parents. Also Donald’s kids. Also praying for her husband Stevie and their babies. For the sisters (Pam, Carol, and Debbie) and one brother (Paul) your first sibling lost I pray for your comfort that only God can give.
The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18
You have been my Big Sis for over 50 years. There’s no one on earth that can compare to you. It always was and always will be nothing but love, beyond forever.
I love you so much and will miss you dearly mom you will forever be in my heart thank you for loving me my 51 years of being on this earth until we meet and your first born child Yvonne Taylor
I love you so much and will miss you dearly mom you will forever be in my heart thank you for loving me my 51 years of being on this earth until we meet again your first born child Yvonne Taylor
Paul, of course, I never met Paula, but through my dear cousin (Gilda), I met you. The time that we have spent together, and because my dear cousin sees good in you, has told me that you are “good people”! Add an “a” to your name and I feel certain that “Paula” was a beautiful sister. Paula may be gone from the earth “physically”, but never spiritually in your mind and memory! CHERISH EVERY MEMORY OF HER!!!
I’m so sorry to hear about Paula. God be with her family.
Another hilltopper, Shirley Mays
We were deeply saddened to hear of Paula,’s passing. We xtend our deepest sympathy to Steve and the entire family. I have know Paula for over 50 years; we were once roommates. “Hilltopper!” I pray that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. To be a absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
We were deeply saddened to hear of Paula,’s passing. We extend our deepest sympathy to Steve and the entire family. I have know Paula for over 50 years; we were once roommates. “Hilltopper!” I pray that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. To be a absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Dearest Paul and Gilda Taylor,
Jimmy and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister Paula. Rejoice, in the homegoing of an Angel…as you celebrate a job well done…
Love
The Martins
I’ve known Miss Paula for over 30 years she was a teacher of the bible, of God a friend a great mother to her family you’ll be missed and never forgotten I love you.
God Bless To The Johnson Family
Prayers and Condolences to your family.
The Williamson Family
Paula and I were neighbors. I lived on 20th street and she lived a block over. We met through our children and she became a precious friend to me. I can’t believe she’s gone but I know we will see each other again.