Paula Louise Faris, aged 73, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, in St. Louis, MO, surrounded by members of her loving family.

She was born on April 10, 1952, in Wyatt, MO, to Reverend Paul Faris and Dorothy (Herndon) Faris. Paula was a proud resident of Charleston, MO, where she graduated high school and made her home. She was a member of the Charleston Assembly of God where she faithfully served and loved her Lord.

Paula grew up singing and playing the piano while worshiping in her father's church. She worked alongside her father in his shoe shop for many years before she left to manage hotels in Memphis, TN, and Huntsville, AL, among other cities. Paula returned home to Charleston, eventually owning rental properties in the surrounding area. Because of Paula's incredible talent and love of music, she sang and played the piano/organ in countless church services, weddings, funerals, hospitals, and other celebrations. She shared her love of the gospel with song.

Paula loved travelling. While she had seen many beautiful and amazing places, she cherished her trips to Israel the most, loving to share her testimony with family and friends. She also loved road trips - one of her favorites being the one she took to the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina with her two favorite companions: her niece, Reagan, and her fur baby, Bella, both of whom she loved wholeheartedly. Paula was a beautiful lady, inside and out, known for her strikingly long hair, infectious smile, and sweet Southern drawl. She was a devoted caretaker with gentle compassion and an uplifting presence. Paula radiated positivity, warmth and spiritual energy. She lived life exactly the way she wanted to, and she loved everyone she knew to the fullest.

In addition to her parents, Paula was preceded in death by her infant sister, Betty Faris; her brother, Don Faris; her niece, Serena Faris-Smith; and her furbaby and most loyal companion, Bella.

Paula is survived by her sisters: Lela (John) Tucker; Rose (Harry Lee) Bard, both of Charleston; sister-in-law, Frances Faris of Dexter; loving nephews: Paul Lee (Dana) Bard; James Lael (Crystal) Tucker, both of Charleston; Joe (Amanda) Bard of Sikeston; John Paul (Penny) Tucker of Vero Beach, FL; loving great nieces and nephews: Reagan Tucker; Baylun Tucker, Savannah Powell, Marina Smith, Keeley Gee, Valerie Bard, Cammie Bard, and Hailey Bard. Paula also leaves behind her best friend of many years, Dessie Gross.

Services will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, MO. Paula's family will receive guests starting at 10:30 a.m., followed by funeral services at 12:00 p.m.

Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery near Charleston under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com