Paula Leitner Templeton

Paula Leitner Templeton, 77

Paula Leitner Templeton of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away peacefully at the Bud & Donna Somers Hospice House, leaving behind a life well lived, filled with laughter, love, faith, and adventure. She was diagnosed with ALS a year ago. She faced her illness with courage and grace.

Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on January 22, 1949, Paula was the daughter of Grace Brown Leitner and George Richard Leitner. She grew up in Columbia, SC, graduated from Dentsville High School, and went on to earn her dental assistant certification from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her calling to serve others began early—at just 15, she was already volunteering in the dental clinic at the VA hospital. That spirit of service stayed with her throughout her life.

While living in South Carolina, she met a young First Lieutenant named Curtis Templeton, who was stationed at Fort Jackson. They married three months later-- a whirlwind romance that turned into a lifelong partnership. Together, they built a beautiful life full of family, service, and new adventures.

Paula was a proud and loving mother to Richard Wallace Templeton of Hendersonville, NC, and Cameron Curtis Templeton (Candace) of Atlanta, GA. She adored her two grandsons, Owen and Walker Templeton, who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by her beloved twin sister, Pam Leitner of Johns Island, SC. Paula was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Judy Leitner Wilds.

Paula had many passions, and she loved them all out loud. She had an incredible eye for fashion, treating it as a form of art and self expression. Whether picking out the perfect outfit for herself or dressing others as the volunteer assistant manager of the Good Shepherd Thrift Store, she made it her mission to make people feel good about themselves.

Her creativity extended beyond clothes. She was instrumental in planning fundraising events for the Lake Wales Art Council and Bok Tower Gardens and played an active role in the Lake Wales Art Show committees. She served her church family deeply—as a Guardian ad Litem, a Stephen Minister, Eucharistic Minister, and as Head Warden. Her faith was personal, rooted, and deeply important to her.

Never one to sit still, Paula played competitive tennis in Polk County for years. She visited over 60 countries and danced her way to runner up on a cruise ship’s version of Dancing with the Stars. She once completed a mini triathlon, and even bungee jumped off the Nevis Bridge in New Zealand.

Paula lived fully—with humor, curiosity, courage, and compassion. She made people feel seen and valued. Her legacy is one of joyful service, fearless adventure, and steadfast faith.

She will be missed more than words can say.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Episcopal Church Thrift Store and Good Shepherd Hospice.

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