Paula Brown Skelton, 78, went to heaven on August 6, 2022, from her Charleston home, with her family by her side.  This devoted Christ follower, loving wife, mother, and grandmother is now healed after struggling with a prolonged illness.

Paula was born on January 5, 1944, to Paul and Mary Jones Brown in Wyatt, MO. After graduating from Charleston High School in 1962, she attended the National School of Aeronautics in Kansas City, MO, where she graduated first in her class. Her first job was with Bell Telephone as an operator in St. Louis, and she later transferred to Sikeston, MO. Paula then worked as a secretary for Righter Trucking. After moving to Scott City, MO, she was employed with Security Bank as a teller and loan department secretary, where she served for 14 years until retirement.

In the 11th grade, she met a fellow CHS student named Bill Skelton. After graduation, she would later reconnect with Bill, and they wed in 1965, going on to have four children. One of the greatest joys for Paula was becoming a mother. She was content to work quietly behind the scenes to offer unconditional love, guidance, and help to her family. Every night, she would send Bill off to drive a feeder truck for UPS and then bow her head to say a prayer for his safety. Throughout the years of bringing up children, she could be found cheering in the stands of football games, wrestling meets, and theatre productions. The last chapter of Paula's life was dedicated to her husband, children, and grandchildren. Paula was lovingly referred to as Grammy by her grandchildren. She wanted every person in her family to know that she "loved them to the moon and back." She was known for her loving, kind, and gentle demeanor. She did not have to speak loudly; instead, she said volumes with her actions demonstrating how to live a life that glorifies God.

Christmas was her favorite time of the year. Paula and Bill started a tradition that will continue to impact her family and others for many future Christmases. During Thanksgiving, they would give each grandchild $50 to bless someone in need during the Christmas season. On Christmas Eve, each grandchild would share stories about their acts of kindness. This time together as a family concreted the message that giving is better than receiving.

Bill and Paula lived in Scott City for 47 years while raising their family. But her heart always longed to return to her childhood hometown of Charleston. Finally, in 2019, her dream came true when they built a home. They spent the last three years greeting each new day in Charleston from their beloved front porch wicker swing.

Her body faced many challenges, painful changes, and difficulties during the last few months of a prolonged illness. However, her faith in God sustained her every step of her journey. Paula refused to give up her hope, quiet determination, and trust in God, who gave her the strength to face each day. Her favorite verse was "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:19). She would face each medical procedure knowing that the pain she was facing paled in comparison to what her Lord and Savior had to endure to provide salvation and forgiveness to His children. Her legacy of faith, love, and devotion to God and her family will never be forgotten. Her life was a gift to her family, and we will miss her greatly.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Paul Brown; her firstborn son, John Paul; and her sister, Brenda Marberry.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Bill. She also leaves behind her daughter Sherri (David) and their child Abigail Grace – all of Nashville, TN; and her son Mike (Kara) and their sons Grant and Will – all of Cape Girardeau, MO; and her son Jeff (Hanan) and their son Matthew, of Atlanta, GA; and her sister, Dolly Martin of Charleston, MO.

The family will have a private graveside service to say their final goodbye.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her name to Granting Grace. After being inspired by the Skelton Christmas blessing tradition, Paula's grandson began this ministry to continue to help those in need. Those who desire to donate can send gifts to Granting Grace Outreach at 1572 Howell Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com