Mattie Lois "Barrs" Paulding

Mattie Lois Paulding, age 98, of Richmond, TX, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on January 28, 1928 in Mims, Florida, to William and Fannie Barrs, Lois lived a life marked by strength, kindness, resilience, humor, and faith. She grew up in Mims and Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from Jacksonville High School.

On March 17, 1947, she married Ralph S. Paulding, Jr. (Buddy), and together they built a life rooted in love, family, service, faith, and hard work. They were blessed with four children: Stan Paulding, Candy Wagner, Mike Paulding and Missy McClellan. They were further blessed with eighteen grand/great-grand/great-great-grandchildren, who were her greatest joy. Since Buddy was in the military, Lois travelled with him as he was moved between stations Stateside. Lois was able to live in Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, California, and Hawaii. She loved to tell stories about her travels and adventures, with Hawaii being one of her favorites. She was living there when Hawaii became a part of the United States.

Lois devoted her life to family. She was always looking after grandkids, so daycare wasn't needed. She was especially known for her cooking, gardening, sewing, card playing and crocheting. She instilled a love of games to her children and grandchildren. She especially loved to play Yahtzee and "Oh Hell!", a card game. Lois often spoke of game nights with Buddy and their military friends, which usually involved friendly wagers and many a wallet ended up in the freezer by the end of the night. Her love of puzzles and games lives on in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom will remember her fondly as they carry forward her legacy of bonding with friends and family around games. Many will remember her for her beautiful smile, generosity, chocolate chip cookies and apple pie.

She is preceded in death by her husband - Ralph S. Paulding Jr., her parents - William and Fannie Barrs, her siblings - Pete, Wilma, Don and Mary and her son-in-law Paul Wagner.

She is survived by her children, Stan Paulding and Missy (Jeff) McClellan of Richmond, TX, Candace Wagner of Lawrenceburg, KY, and Mike (Rhonda) Paulding of Baldwinsville, NY and many grandchildren: Linda Wagner, Jeremy (Tiffany) Paulding, Mark Wagner, Samantha (Justin) Mitnick, Rachel Paulding, Jared (Lexi) Paulding, Aiden Paulding, Logan Paulding, Will McClellan, Chris McClellan, Katie McClellan, Justin Wagner, Raymond Paul Wagner, Lukas Mitnik, Elliott Mitnik, Lincoln Mitnick, Oliver Dunler, Jackson Paulding, and Lucy Paulding.

A service will be held at Houston National Cemetery on March 10, 2026 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude's Donation or the Paralyzed Veteran's in her memory.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Vantage Hospice, especially Karina and Shay, for their compassionate and loving care.

Expressions of remembrance and condolences are welcome and may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.