Paula Denise Tyler was born November 29, 1957 in Saint Louis, Missouri to Cleveland and Ruthie Mae Tyler. Paula (also known as “Niecie”) was the 10th of 12 living children. She was preceded in death by her father and 2 siblings, Theresa and Larry.
Paula was educated in the Saint Louis public schools. She was certified by the state of Missouri in the Vocational Nursing Program. She worked for the state of Missouri for 14 years for the Department of Mental Health and the Missouri Veterans Commission. She served as Union Treasurer for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2730 for 2 years. Paula was often found performing above and beyond the call of duty.
“Niecie”, as she was lovingly referred to by family, friends, and others, was a protective warrior. Her love, concern and compassion for others was the driving force in her life. “Niecie” became the glue that held her family together. She was selfless in the face of family situations and very passionate about family unity. She was courageous, loyal and devoted and always ready to get in the battle for a worthy cause. She said what she meant, meant what she said, and was passionate about what she believed to be right. She was no nonsense! “Niecie” was a self-sacrificing caregiver who used her love and skills to care for not only her dependent parents but for anyone in need.
Paula celebrated life at its fullest! She enjoyed darts, bowling, traveled extensively and participated in many tournaments. She enjoyed backyard gatherings and family functions. You could always depend on her to coordinate and bring her family together for a big family “bash!”
As a young adult Paula dedicated her life to Christ. She was baptized and was a member of the New Seraphim Baptist Church where her father was the founder and pastor. As a member of a singing family, “Niecie” sang contralto along with her siblings in a group called “The Wings.” She also sang in the choir. In 1997, Paula joined the West Side Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Bobo, Sr. She sang with the Adult Praise Team and the Sanctuary Choir, served on the Prison Ministry for several years, and committed herself to the Missionary Team. She really enjoyed her Christian life. Just as she enjoyed her life before Christ, she enjoyed her life after Christ all the more. One of her greatest joys was the fellowship with other believers and church members. She enjoyed going to dinner after church with her church family. She had a special love for her Pastor and First Lady.
“I’m Going Home” and she did… early Sunday morning, April 21st, 2013 at home surrounded by her family.
She is sorely missed and mourned by her children, Nicole (Ramon) Beuford, of Saint Louis, Missouri, Jimmie Lee Brown, of Houston Texas; 5 grandchildren, RamyaRecoleBeuford, Saint Louis, Missouri, Sydney Denise Brown, Jacksonville, Florida, Amayah Nicole Brown, Jimari Lee Brown, JaideDelane Brown, all of Houston, Texas; Mother, Ruthie Mae Tyler of Saint Louis, Missouri; siblings, Pearlie Mae (Willie) Whitten, of Saint Louis, Missouri, Ruth Evelyn (Joe) Turrentine-Agee, of Detroit, Michigan, Carl (Peggy), Tyrone (Cheryl), Van (Linda), Barry (Catherine), Marilyn “Foley” Smith, Terrell, Corita (Earl) Randle, all of Saint Louis, Missouri; a dedicated and loving God Sister, Doris Jean Swink; uncles and aunts, Pastor Eugene (Aurietta) Jeffrey, of Saint Louis, Missouri, Rosie Jones, Cleveland Jones, Jimmie (Ernestine) Williams, all of Chicago, Illinois; Spiritual Parents Rev. Mary and Deacon Charles Moore, and Dr. Leonard and Rev. OruelleMershon, of Saint Louis, Missouri; one goddaughter, Harmony, of Saint Louis Missouri; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A special message from Paula: “…Darlean King (and Richard)…she was a true Friend and Sister. Rev. Lauren Hickman, Patricia Cowan, Mr. & Mrs. Marshall (Judy) Watkins, Annie Jackson, Catherine Straughter and Shelia Ewing, Rev. Jean Hardge, Claudia Bridgewater, I take their love and friendship with me. I truly thank God for them being in my life. Sally Williams, a true soldier. Thank you for allowing God to use you and Ms. Tabb in my life. Donna Love, a true friend. Antoinette Randolph, Danielle Like and Rochelle Merriweather and family, let them know I love them all.”