Clara B. Paula

PAULA Mrs. Clara B. Paula, “ Mom”, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister and Friend peacefully passed this life on Saturday May 1, 2004 in St. Augustine, Florida after a long extended illness. She Retired from the St. Johns County Health department after 30 years of service to the state of Florida. Mrs. Paula worked at all of the Duval County Health clinics in Jacksonville, Florida. Born September 17the in Blacksville, South Carolina to David and Helen Batie, Sr. Mrs. Paula loved God, her children, grandchildren, great grand child, family and her beloved church, St. Cyprian Episcopal, where she was a faithful member for close to 50 years. Her favorite past times included gardening, reading, traveling, and talking on the phone with her many friends. Her children Carlottra, Lerried, Barry and DeRonda recalls their mother as a firm but loving mother who “ did not play”. Grandsons Jai, Christian, and Tyler fondly referring to her as “ Mom” states she had &# 147; zero tolerance” for foolishness. Father David Allert, rector St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church remembers Mrs. Paula as a faithful member and without question was the primary fund raiser for St. Cyprian. Co-worker, Liz Marshall, who met Mrs. Paula at the Beaches Public Health Clinic, fondly recalls Clara's outgoing and pleasant personality but also smiles to recall her sometimes “ honest” approach to people and situations she would always come back to embrace you with a warm smile, hug and one of her famous sweet potato pies. She also remembers her never being late to work during her thirty years of service, as well as her love for her “ Purple Volkswagon Bug” she said Clara was an “ impeccable dresser” and was considered as the “ fashion plate” of the Health Department, Goddaughter Derya E. Williams readily agrees, stating Mrs. Paula was an elegant lady with her own unique sense of style and grace. Mrs. Paula leaves to cherish her memory and legacy. Children: Carlotta Guyton-Slaton (Paul), Jacksonville, Fla., Lerried Paula, Miami, Fla., Berry Paula (Joan) Tamarac, Fla., and DeRonda Paula-Williams, St. Augustine, Fla., Brothers: David Batie, Jr., Deceased, (Gwendolyn ), Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Willie Irvin, Washington, D.C., and Bernard Irvin (Thelma) Ormond Beach, Fla., 1 Sister preceded her in death, Laura Mae Werts (Postell), Washington D.C., Grandchildren: Jai Gordon, St. Augustine, Fla., Christian Guyton, Jacksonville, Fla., and Tyler Paula, Tamarac, Fla., Great- Grandson: Jaelyn Guyton, Jacksonville, Fla., Nephew: David T. Batie, III, Lauder Hill, Fla., Niece: Janine Batie- Derracatte, Bowie Maryland, God sisters: Johnnie Mae Van and Ethel Jackson, St. Augustine, Fla., as well as a host of other relatives and friends. The memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 215 St. George St. St. Augustine, Fla., on May 11, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. Leo C. Chase & Son Funeral Home, St. Augustine, Fla., is entrusted w ith arrangements, Public Viewing will be on Monday May 10th at the St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church from 5-8 pm. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com