Today, we gather to celebrate the beautiful life of Paula, a remarkable woman whose love, compassion, strength, and faith touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Paula was born on February 21, 1954, at Harlem Hospital to her loving parents, Barbara Austin and Clarence Williamson. She spent her childhood growing up in Harlem, where she attended P.S. 165 before continuing her education at Brandeis High School. She later built a beautiful family, raising her three daughters while living in the Bronx for many years before returning to Harlem, where she lived on West 118th Street for nearly three decades.

To many in the community, Paula was more than just a neighbor. She was affectionately known as “Ms. P” or “Grandma.” She had a warm smile, a kind heart, and a motherly spirit that made every child and every person she met feel welcomed and loved. She possessed a rare gift for making others feel important, and her kindness left a lasting impression on countless lives.

Paula had an incredible work ethic and devoted much of her career to helping others. Throughout her life she worked for Seaman’s Furniture Company, Diego Beekman Houses, Mitchell-Lama Houses, and Canaan Houses, where she served as a Site Manager until retiring due to disability. Every position she held reflected her caring nature and her commitment to serving people.

One of Paula’s greatest joys in life was her family. While she deeply loved her three daughters, her grandchildren were truly the light of her life. She treasured every moment spent with them, creating memories filled with laughter, love, and wisdom that they will carry forever.

Paula was truly a pillar of her community. Her generosity, compassion, and unwavering love created a legacy that will continue through the lives she influenced. Though our hearts are heavy today, we find comfort in knowing that her love lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and everyone blessed to have known her.

As we say goodbye, let us remember Paula not with sadness alone, but with gratitude. Gratitude for her laughter, her wisdom, her unwavering love, and the countless ways she made this world a better place.

Her life was a blessing.

Her memory will be a treasure.

She was deeply loved, and she will be profoundly missed—but never forgotten.

Paula is lovingly survived by her three daughters, Michelle Johnson, LawShawn Carter, and Sarah Doctor. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Kevin Graham, Britney Jane' Carter, Daiquan Diaz, and Shamir Doctor, along with nine great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, four brothers, two sisters, extended family, dear friends, and countless people whose lives she touched.

Paula was also a devoted woman of faith. At the age of 70, she fulfilled a lifelong commitment by being baptized at Second Providence Baptist Church on February 18, 2025. Her faith became a source of peace and strength, and she embraced it with the same sincerity and love that she shared throughout her life.

Anyone who knew Paula knew she had style. She carried herself with grace, dressed with elegance, and her fashionable spirit reflected the vibrant personality she possessed. She also had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit that could brighten any room and lift anyone’s spirits.