Paula Jo Smith passed peacefully Saturday, August 30, 2025, at her home in Owaneco surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Paula was born on December 4, 1959, to Lyle Edward Nolen and Ida Maude (Garrett) Nolen in Taylorville, Illinois. Paula graduated from Taylorville High School in 1978, and married Ricky Lane Smith on December 4, 1978.

Paula and Ricky raised three children. Daughters: Stacia (Benjamin)Shuler of Pana, IL; Shayla (Justin) Roberts of Shelbyville, IL; and a son: Arsemus ( BriAnna) Smith of Shelbyville, IL.  Paula also has three grandchildren. Granddaughters: Madison Roberts of Shelbyville, IL and Cera Shuler of Pana and grandson: Caleb Shuler of Pana, IL. She is also survived by her sisters, Ruth Jayne Kemp, Tracy Kay Klitzing, and her brother Joseph Garrett Nolen.

Paula worked at Walmart for many years and did many jobs throughout the company from the electronics department to traveling the country and setting up new stores.

Paula had many hobbies such as going to powwows doing bead work, crocheting, singing, mowing her yard on her lawnmower, and spending time with her husband, kids and grandchildren along with a host of many other family and friends.

Paula is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren, as well as her brother and sisters. With a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Ida Nolen.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Taylorville. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. and inurnment will take place at Owaneco Cemetery at noon.