Our beloved Paula Jean Whitehurst, affectionately known as "Jean," "Granny" and "Mimi," was born June 26, 1946, the youngest of fifteen children, to the late Allen and Clara Bowser in Austin, TX. She transitioned into eternal rest in her home February 10, 2020 with her family by her side. Family meant everything to Paula and she took every opportunity to make all who knew her feel special. She was a phenomenal mother who will always be admired by her girls for her strength and unconditional love. God blessed her with gifts of hospitality and encouragement; her humor was infectious and her smile endearing.

Paula Whitehurst graduated from Anderson High School and attended Huston-Tillotson University, both in Austin, TX. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age at Twelfth Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Austin, TX. She continued her walk with the Lord all her life and was an active member of Bethany Christian Church in Austin, TX until she relocated to Greensboro, NC where she joined Mt. Pleasant Christian Church where she served until the end.

Paula Whitehurst served on the Worship Committee; she looked forward to decorating the sanctuary every year for the Resurrection and Christmas seasons. She was an active member of the Christian Women Fellowship (DWM) and the Progressive Adult Social Service (PASS) Club where she developed lifelong friendships. She sang in the Gospel Choir and loved to sing in harmony with the saints. Paula also served as an usher. Paula anticipated Vacation Bible School every year and was proud when her family joined her. In whatever capacity, Paula Whitehurst served the Lord and His church with fervor and excitement. Paula Whitehurst is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elvin C. Whitehurst, son, James Johnson, Jr., granddaughter, Brooklyn (Brooke) Ruff, twelve siblings, Obie Kellough, Aubrey Bowser, Helen Donnelle, A.B. Bowser, Joycelyn Bowser, Elder H. Bruce Bowser, Zera Houston, Ralph Bowser, Eloise Bowser, Benny Bowser, Levi (LP) Bowser, and Bobby Bowser.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories; three children, Paula (Gary) Graves, Paulette (Terry) Ruff, Samerrian Tremont (Marquita) Johnson and niece Clara Bowser whom she raised; four stepchildren; Ann (Willard) Keys, Austin, TX, Elvin C. Whitehurst, Jr., Austin, TX, Shritta (Jerry) Brown, Houston, TX and Carlton Lee (Sharon) Whitehurst, Austin, TX; two sisters, Rosa Pennix, Austin, TX and Vera Brown, Winston-Salem, NC; five sisters-in-law, Alean Bowser, Ruth Ella Bowser, Diana Bowser, Austin, TX, Jamie Whitehurst, Chesapeake, VA and Ethel (Enoch) Alexander, Norfolk, VA; five grandchildren, Jasmin, Jada and Jalen Graves; TJ (Terry, Jr.) and Trey Ruff; three great-grandchildren, Saniya, Micah and Jaden Johnson; a special great nephew Levi Bowser; her special extended Whitehurst family; a host of dear nieces, nephews and cousins which includes her nieces Felicia Bowser who assisted with her care, goddaughter Marcia Denise White and godson Levi (Pinky) Bowser. A service honoring her life will be held Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Mt. Pleasant Christian Church; 1515 Britton St. Greensboro, NC 27406. The visitation will begin at 1:30 pm and the service will follow at 2:00 pm. The interment will take place following the service at Lakeview Memorial Park; 3600 N O'Henry Blvd. Greensboro, NC 27405.