Paula Yvonne Pederson

Paula Yvonne DeLoach Pederson was born on August 27, 1948, one of nine children born to Homer Daniel Sr. and Josie Bell DeLoach. Growing up in a large, lively family shaped her with laughter, strong personalities, and the spirited DeLoach temper she carried throughout her life.

Paula possessed a remarkable creative gift, especially with her beautiful hands. Taught the art of tatting by Aunt Hattie, she transformed simple fabric into treasured lace, handiwork, and clothing. She sewed Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for her children and niece, Easter dresses, costumes for performances, and wedding dresses for her first three daughters. She volunteered with the Sunshine Generation and Showtime programs, creating costumes so her children could participate, and every summer she gave her time to the Crime Prevention Program for at-risk youth in St. Augustine, Florida. She wrote letters to women in prison, formed lasting pen pal friendships, and learned sign language so she could communicate with and interpret for Deaf friends in her church community. Her generous spirit extended to sharing whatever she had with her siblings and others.

She graduated from Orange Memorial Hospital nursing school in 1970. As a teenager, she faced a serious physical challenge that left her bedridden for three months and required her to wear a brace and corset for nearly a year, yet she continued her studies from her hospital bed with quiet endurance. Paula married David Ralph Pederson on January 2, 1970. They shared 41 years of marriage until his passing on November 11, 2011. Together they raised eight children, beginning with their son Matthew David in their first year of marriage. Though often facing physical ailments, financial hardship, and emotional difficulties, she created magic for her family, especially at Christmas, through handmade dolls, dresses, and stories. She loved reading to her children until they fell asleep, cherished 1960s musicals such as Camelot and The Sound of Music, and lived with deep religious faith and honesty.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Homer Daniel Sr. and Josie Bell DeLoach, her sister Betty Jo, her husband David, and her beloved son Scott Daniel. She is survived by her children Matthew (Deana), Tracy (Michael), Kelly (Curt), Jason (Fabiola), Jody (Shaunna), Paul (Brianna), and Julie (Skyler); her siblings Nancy Sue, Homer Daniel Jr., Patricia, Kathy, George, Ava Jean, and David; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, resilience, faith, and a family of eight children, 27 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren who grew to love one another fiercely. Her beautiful hands, her creativity, her temper, her testimony, and the family she bore will be remembered with love.