Ada Kathleen Paulk

Ada Kathleen Bush Paulk, lovingly known as Kathleen or "Kat," passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 78, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

Kathleen was born on August 17, 1947, in Kerrville, Texas, to Ellus and Mary Bush. From an early age, she had a curious mind and a love for learning that never faded. After graduating from Sam Houston High School, she earned a degree in English from Louisiana College-just the beginning of a lifetime spent teaching, learning, and encouraging others to do the same.

Kathleen devoted most of her career to the Rapides Parish School System, where she touched the lives of countless students. She went on to earn her Master's Plus 30, often saying that you "never stopped learning." Her dedication to education continued through her work as a Warrant Officer with the Youth Challenge Program and later as an Assessment Teacher for Avoyelles Parish. Even after retiring, Kathleen wasn't one to slow down-she continued preparing tax returns for many years, simply because helping people was part of who she was.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 59 years, Kirby Paulk; her youngest daughter, Kamii Dauzat; and her brother, Jerome Bush.

She leaves behind a family who adored her: her sons, Kurtis Paulk of Pineville and Kerry Paulk (Donna) of Deville; and her daughter, Kristina Hickman (Dennis) of Hickory Grove. She was a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren-Chelsea Bass (Robert), CJ Dauzat (Ashley), Sam Dyer (Joe), Denni Bickford (Zach), Kaleb Paulk, Gabrielle Paulk, Sidney Paulk, Tiffany Paulk, Sarah Wiggins (Bammer), and Melinda Wilson (Gregory)-and a joyful great-grandmother to twenty-seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Irene Sullivan (James) and Darlene Tucker (Rick), along with many extended family members, and friends who felt like family.

Kathleen had a way of making people feel cared for. She loved baking and could often be found in the kitchen making something special "just because." Arts and crafts brought her endless joy, as did decorating her home with beautifully themed rooms-each one filled with her personality. Her Wizard of Oz collection was one of her greatest delights.

Some of her happiest moments were spent watching birds, tending her garden, and taking her grandchildren on adventures. She loved their field trips and often joked about how "bad they were," fully aware that she may have encouraged a little mischief herself. One favorite family tradition was "experiment night," when she tried a new recipe each week-some became staples, and others became treasured stories told with laughter.

Kathleen was incredibly proud of the books she authored: The Story Goes, documenting her family's genealogy, and A Time to Remember: A Hundred Years of Service (Holloway Baptist Church). These works, which can also be found on YouTube, reflect her deep love for family, faith, and history.

Above all else, Kathleen cared about people. She paid attention to those who needed help and quietly found ways to give it. She had a special love for sending and receiving cards through the mail, believing that a handwritten note could brighten anyone's day. Her kindness, humor, and generous spirit will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

She attended Holloway Baptist Church in Hickory Grove, LA, and the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be sent in her memory to Holloway Baptist Church WMU, 7368 Hickory Grove Road, Deville, LA 71328.

Visitation will be held on February 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m., at Holloway Baptist Church, Hickory Grove.