Mrs. Paula Royal peacefully passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026. She was born in High Point, NC. on June 27, 1953, to the late Lex McCullough, Sr., and Bertha Pemberton McCullough. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her two brothers, Lex McCullough, Jr., and Larry D. McCullough, two special friends, Rose Chavis and Annette Rawlinson Harris, and other relatives and friends.
Paula graduated from T. Wingate Andrew High School. She was an active and dedicated member of Williams Memorial CME Church, where she served as an Associate Minister. Additionally, she served on the Steward Board, the Sunday School Ministry, the Children's Ministry, and various other boards and committees.
She was employed at Adams Millis Hosiery Mill for 19 years and retired from Ralph Lauren after another 26 years. She was actively involved in her community, participating in local events, working at the voting polls, and assisting with activities for senior citizens. Her dedication to these endeavors reflected her deep love for the community and its members.
On August 1, 1987, she joyfully united in marriage with Larry Royal, embarking on a beautiful journey filled with love and companionship. Throughout the years they shared together, she fully embraced her many roles as a devoted wife, a loving mother, adoring grandmother, a caring sister, and a loyal and supportive friend to many. In her leisure time, she found immense joy in tending to her flowers and gardening, traveling, and simply enjoying life. With an unwavering spirit and a strong sense of purpose, she left a deep and lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
Paula's legacy is one of courage, compassion, and authenticity. Though she is no longer with us in body, her profound influence, her invaluable lessons, and her boundless love will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Paula is survived by her husband of thirty-eight years, Larry Royal, who resides at their home. She is also remembered by her children: Jeremy A. Royal, Erik Steed Royal, and Tiffany Royal. Her grandchildren include McKenzie Royal, Taylor Royal, Andrea J. Kennedy, and Autumn Kennedy, as well as her great-grandchild, Khalil McLucas. Paula had a close bond with her sister, Saundra McCullough-Cobey (Benny) from Clayton, NC, and she is also remembered by her sister-in-law, Ernestine McCullough of High Point, NC. Additionally, she is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends who will cherish her memory.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Williams Memorial CME Church, 3400 Triangle Lake Road. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and other times at the home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Interment will be private. Mrs. Royal may be viewed on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
Send flowers to the service of Mrs. Paula Royal
My condolences to you and your family , Tiffany; may God send his Comforter to comfort you at your time of bereavement.
Sending my condolences to the family of Mrs. Paula Royal! May God continue to comfort you in the days ahead.
Our condolences to the family during this difficult time. S Hayes & family
Praying for the Royal Family from the Witherspoon Family And the Rorie Family
I am so sorry to hear of Paula passing. She and I have known each other several years working the voting polls for Guilford County. She was always very good, patient, and attentive to the voters as she would look them up on the computer. She will certainly be missed. You have my prayers for comfort at this trying time.
May the love and support of those around you provide solace and strength in the days ahead. My thoughts are with you. Paula was a classmate and a friend. It was always great to see her and her beautiful smile. She always made you feel like you was the best surprise when she saw you. My deepest and sincere condolences and prayers to Larry and the family.
Sending my condolences to the entire family. Praying peace for all. Paula was such a sweet, caring and humble soul. She loved God and people. She will be missed but her light will always shine through the lives she touched. May God give comfort to all.
Sincerely, Valerie Hunt
I will always remember Paula's beautiful smile. She would be wearing that smile every time I ran into her. I believe she is sitting in heaven now with an even greater smile and our Lord is pleased.
We offer our condolences and prayers to the Royal family. Our hearts are heavy with the passing of a family dear friend whom we have come to love. My father and Paula serves faithfully at Williams Memorial CME Church for over 40 years together. A life lived with love and compassion and God chosen a servant angel to blessed with wings πͺ½ of heaven.
My deepest condolences to the family. Paula was a beautiful lady.
My sincere condolences to the family of Mrs.Paula Royal. This was so hard to here. I am so grateful for all the conversations we had every where we would see each other especially Belks. Even when I saw you and you didn't see me I would blow the horn and then I would text you and say that was me blowing at you I'm going to miss seeing your face always with a smile so welcoming. Rest in God Ms Paula well done.
Praying For You In Your Loss,Memories are gifts our hearts receive to bring gentle comfort as we grieve.Asking God to enfold you in His faithful love and comfort you with the cherish memories you hold dear. The memory of the righteous is a blessing.PROVERBS 10:7
I want to offer my sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Paula. I've known her for quite some time, and she was a very kind, funny, and insightful woman who offered invaluable words of advice to me throughout the years. This is tough and hard to accept, but I know that she's eternally in the presence of God. Until we meet again.
My sincere condolences to Mr.Larry and the entire family of the late Mrs. Paula Royal. I have known her for over 12 years. A sweet, compassionate, caring, loyal, and a virtuous daughter of Zion. She loved all and loved strangers effortlessly and saw everyone as God Almighty sees us. She always made sure that I was okay with phrases like '' how are you doing, is everything okay '' she called me daughter, taught, counseled, prayed,encouraged me and showed me genue love like a mother's love β€οΈ we used to sing hymns during work like I use to do with my mother back home in Ghana π¬π She always listens to me and help me fixed my problems. I am grateful to God Almighty for the opportunity to meet her, such an Angel on my journey. I will keep her in my heart and honor her by emulating what she stood for Psalm 90:12 Her soul continues to rest peacefully in the bosom of our Lord till we meet in heaven π β€οΈ
Words can not express the sheer joy and love that I have for Reverend Royal. I am so greatful for the talks we had and the smiles we shared. Love never ends and for that Im forever greatful. During this time of transitioning family stay strong as I continue to pray for your peace and guidence in the Lord.
To the Royal family, my deepest condolences on the passing of Miss Paula, such a beautiful soul, a loving smile, always a kind word she will be missed by many.God called her Home. May she RIP.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Paula! Sending the family my deepest condolence!! RIP PaulaπΉ Levon Rogers Oliver
May the memories held deep inside your heart, help to comfort you...Your're in our prayers. With deepest sympathy.
Please accept my earnest condolences during this time of mourning, reflection and the celebration of life for a beautiful soul.
Randy C. Rogers
Prayers for the family and sending my condolences during this time!
To the Royal family. My sincere condolences. She was a person with a kind heart and smile. May God bless you all β€οΈ
To the Royal & McCullough families I'm so sorry for the Loss of Paula π. It's truly heartbreaking!! She was such a sweet & dear friend to me for a very long time. She always had that beautiful sweet smile every time I saw her. We'd always call each other FAM cause we shared the same last name. We never really knew if we were or not though!! She was just that kind of friend. Job well done! I'm truly gonna miss her. I'm praying ππ½ππ½ππ½ with & for you all during this difficult time. May Our Lord & Savior Bless You All!! Fly High Buddy ποΈποΈποΈ ππππππππ Vickey & Family
My condolences ππ½ to the family during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Our heartfelt condolences to Larry and the family. Paula was a wonderful co worker during our days at Polo Ralph Lauren. She's in a much better place now.
Larry and family sending condolences in the passing of Paula my you find comfort in knowing we're praying with you and for you in day's to come .
Larry and family, our heartfelt condolences on Paula's passing. She was a wonderful lady and always had kind words and a beautiful smile. Our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Oh, what a beautiful friend indeed. Paula was always the same whenever you saw her. I will miss her sweet spirit. Sending my sincere condolences and prayers to the family.ππ½
To the Royal, McCullough, and Covington Family; we are sorry for your loss and extend our deepest condolences. Paula was certainly an Angel here on earth and completed her assignment. She served our God faithfully and positively impacted many lives. She will truly be missed. Take your rest.
Rodney and I send our condolences to the family. We both had the opportunity to serve with Minister Paula at Williams Memorial. While we know that she is resting in the arms of our Savior, it still hurts when a loved one transitions. Please know that we are praying for you and with you during this time and the weeks to come.
Love, Nichica and Rodney Melton
To the Royal family you've my deepest sympathy and condolences for the family. I remember I me Paula had lot of fun laughing and talking about the past when I come from Texas for some reason. I would always run into her I'm truly going to miss my classmates. Your love and smiling face will always be in my heart and mind. Larry god will heal you in due time he will give you the strength to go on with your life. John 3:16
My sincere condolences to the Royal family. I pray for you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Paula will be greatly missed by anyone who knew her. May God continue to bless your family as you continue life's journey. John Gregory
Our condolences to the Royal and McCullough family. Paula and I met at Williams Memorial CME Church. She was a dear friend and will truly be missed. May you have comfort in knowing that "being absent from the body, and to present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8.
My condolences and prayers to the Royal and McCullough family. Paula was the sweetest person. We were neighborhood friends and my Mom did she and her Moms hair so many years ago. Her kind gentle soul will be missed. I pray God will give you all His peace and happy loving memories. May Paula Rest In Heavenly Peace. β€οΈ
To Larry, Jeremy and the other family members, I send sincere condolences. Paula was a very special person. Always the same, always had an encouraging spirit. Always kind and loving. Years ago when I was at my lowest, she was there for me. She will truly be missed by all of us. She is resting with our Heavenly Father. Brenda Mitchell
To Larry and the McCullough family, I send my deepest sympathy. As a member of the class of 1971, my heart breaks at the passing of another classmate. On several occasions, when I visited High Point, I would run into Paula, and the sweet person she had always been would greet me with a warm smile and a sincere hug. I celebrated her spiritual growth as she posted pictures on social media about her accomplishments. I smiled as pictures of Larry and Paula, looking so happy and in love, were shared. This season of loss that you are entering will not be easy, but I pray that the sweetest of memories that you made together will give you strength and peace. I stand on God's word in Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." May you seek refuge in the Word, presence, and power of God. Isaiah 41:10, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand..."
Dear Larry & Family, We are devastated to hear the sad news of the immense loss of our confidant, spiritual leader and dear friend. Our Earthly Angel is now with her Lord and Savior. Her purpose here on earth has been completed and she is receiving her just reward. Larry, we share in your loss and offer our sincerest heartfelt condolences. The Lomax family enjoyed her conversations with loving smiles in church, the grocery store or wherever we saw each other. I remember when she went out of her way to assist me getting my grandsons belongings from the skating rink just because she was at the YMCA when they discovered them missing. She actually drove there with me. Also, the phone calls and prayers with us touched our hearts. We pray with God's loving comforting embrace and the many treasured shared memories will sustain you today and all the days ahead. Minister Paula Royal will forever be loved and missed.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Paula's family. I had the privilege to meet you during the election time. Thank you for the training you gave me. Beautiful, kind lady. May God strengthen all of you, as only He can. God Bless, Betty Harrison
My condolences to Larry and the family during this difficult time. Paula and my aunt Annetta were best friends. The three amigos are back together again: Annetta, Rose and Paula. I've known Paula all my life. She will truly be missed.
To the Royal and McCullough Families,Β I extend my heartfelt condolences to you all in the passing of Paula. I wish her family, and friends peace and comfort during these difficult days in the loss of your beloved.πππ
Paula was one of a kind. Always the same whenever we would meet on the street. We had some good times at the club! Will remember those times. Always very sweet and kind. Rest in peace Paula . You will be surely missed
My sincere condolences to the Royal and McCullough family. I worked with Paula for years at Ralph Lauren. I could always depend on seeing a smile each time we would pass each other. I last saw Paula Tuesday or Wednesday night after caring for her prior to her passing. Although I rarely saw her after leaving the job, it was good knowing that she was still around being Paula. RIP from the Hairston family.
So b sad to hear thus sad new,Mrs Paula was such a sweet person I will truly miss her
My sincere condolences to the entire Royal/McCullough Family. Paula and I and my family grew up on Brooks Street. I'm so glad my Dad decided to build there. Nice community to grow up in.we visit in the community. Lot of clean fun on Brooks Street.Paula was a sweet and devoted friend.Since I've moved back home to High Point, NC. From Washington, DC after 54 years. You are still the sweet , caring person I grew up with. All ways checking in and your caring Attitude. I got the word from Larry you were in Hospice. I replied, I'll be there in the morning, the day you passed. I was on my way at 9:30 when I got the call. I had to pull over.So hurt and confused.I got some relief after speaking to San/ your sister glad she was there when you took your last breath. God is Good! She has her wings.Rest in Pease. My family will allways remember you allways, and forever. Jerome said the morning he was gonna miss you when ever we see you , he said you would talk to him and gave him words of encouragement. We will never forget you.πβ€οΈβοΈ Rest in Pease.
paula was such a beautiful soul. i always enjoyed talking to her. condolences to the entire family.-- benjamin graham
I will always cherish the time I was blessed to spend with Paula. She was one of the neighborhood "big sisters", one who looked out for me in my younger years at the Washington Terrace Park. Paula's warm heart and kindness always meant so much to me. You truly will be missed. Sending our love and condolences to the McCullough and Royal Family. Now You Rest Sweet Sister ππ½ππ½ππ½
Larry and family, Paula was a jewel and she was such an encourager. I've known her almost my entire life and truly there is a void. May the Lord strengthen you all during this difficult time. Paula will forever live in our hearts, Love Bro. Michael and Pastor Marlo Shoffner
Paula, my heart is broken, but I know that God has you. I will miss our phone calls and all of the laughs. Thanks for being a part of my village. Cousin Sheila
Dear Paula's Family, I knew of Paula but I really didn't get to know her until I came back home (to High Point) after I graduated from college (NCCU). She was the sweetest person/friend a girl could ask for. I lost contact with Paula after I moved to Metro RVA. But I thank God for bringing Paula into my life. I will always remember the good times we had back in the late 70's. Rest Well In Paradise Paula ππΎβοΈ π and thank you for being my friend. Praying for your family ππΎβοΈ.
My condolences go out to the family, I know Mrs Paula when I was a little boy growing up on Brooks st I will never forget seeing Mrs Paula pull up in that Lil orange gremlin and I would always run to see if she had Drac with her so we could play together and if he wasn't with her she would ILL BRING HIM NEXT TIME LIL JACK! I just seen Mrs Paula a few months ago at HARRIS TEETER and she gave me a big hug and said she was glad to see me and I told her like wise,I am truly gonna miss her. R.I.P MRS PAULA. Jack jr(junebug)
Hello, Family!
Mrs. Paula Royal and her Man of God Husband Larry Royal are my classmates. Paula and I were close classmates in the first grade at Boundary St. School (now Parkview Elementary School). We have remained friends down through the years. We are members of The Famous HS Class of 1971.
I treasure the years and experiences we shared through the years. Look up Family and trust God to keep you all.
We thank God for this mighty Woman of God he shared with us.
God Bless!
Rev., Bobby W. Green, Jr. and Dr. Gwendolyn Johnson-Green
Condolences to the Royal/ McCullough family. Our hearts are very heavy. We loved Paula unconditionally. She had a beautiful spirit, smile and showed my grandchildren so much love. We are truly going to miss her and may God shower your family with grace and mercy abundantly.
Light
Sitting in her hospital room one day, Paula told us she wasn't worried. She said God had her, he has always had her. I truly believe God's GOT her. I am going to miss her. Sheila, Paula and I spoke every week and now there is another link missing from the family chain and our phone chain but God's GOT her. Carmen(Cari), Larry and Thelia
My condolences to the Royal family on the passing of Paula.
Mrs Paula was one of the sweetest women that I have ever worked with. She will be missed.ππΎ
Mrs. Paula was such a kind person. I will miss that beautiful smile. My condolences to her family.
Praying for the Royal family. Paula will be missed. Paula Thomas
To The Family, I am in total shock and sadness to hear of Paula's passing. She was such a Beautiful Soul with a smile and presence that just warmed your heart. I last volunteered with her during the candidate campaign season at Washington Terrace Park a few years ago and would run into her from time to time after that. Her presence will surely be missed! My sincere condolences and prayers to the family during this most difficult time! Rest In Peace Paula.
Dorothy Collins
May God's peace comfort the family at this tom. It is finished, Paula's earthly work is finished.
We the Hoke Baker family send our deepest sympathies to the entire Royal family. Words are hard to express now because I had just heard Paula was sick one day and then the next day she was gone to be with the Lord. Our family go back from the Fourth St and Willow Place days. Paula was such a sweet person she will truly be missed. The Lord to another Angel to be with him.Paula take your place and rest no more pain or worries. Mrs Debra Hoke Baker and Family.
My sincerest condolences to the family of Paula, a classmate of the Andrews class of 1971. Rest In Paradise.
Lord, I want to thank you for allowing me to know this beautiful Woman of God. Always had a smile and her sweet attitube was always uplifting to me. Rest In His Arms
This is really shocking to me I was joking st talking to Mrs.Paula in March and she was just her self Mrs. Paula was one of a kind I've known Mrs.Paula since I was a little girl. She got her wings RIH Angel
I knew Paula for a lone time she was a very sweet person she was always the same everything you will see her. R.I.P. PAULA
Sorry for your loss
My sincerest condolences to the Royal, McCullough and Covington families,on behalf of the loss of your loved one. I met Paula many years ago when my grandmother lived on Brooks Street. I loved to visit my grandmother's house for two reasons. One, because Washington Terrace Park was the hang out back then and two, because it always appeared like some fun things were always going on up the hill with Paula and her family, at their houses. As we grew older, I would run into Paula around the community and she was always the same. She would take the time to catch up and to find out how you were doing and what you were doing. She had a beautiful and very kind spirit. May the family look to God for the peace that surpasses all understanding.
RIP Paula πβ€οΈποΈποΈποΈ
My cousin Paula McCullough Royal was surely an angel here on earth and I will truly, truly, truly miss her, but I guess the "Holy Spirit"...our "Higher Power" needed her more and said it's time for her to come home and rest since she has worked so very hard here on earth. She is surely "gone too soon and I will miss you Paula"...your cousin (Barbara, Sister)." Growing up, we lived across the street, and our front porch faced the back of their house. As a kid, I remember once when my Mom (her Aunt Ida) wanted me to get something for her and San (my cousin/her sister) and I began to spat about who was going to get it and Paula stepped in and took over and did what her "Aunt Ida" wanted done. (We laughed afterwards). You were truly an "Angel" here on earth. Rest now...my loving cousin! If only there were "thousands of millions" more like you, the world would be a much better place. Rest In Peace, Paula...you have earned and deserve it. Will never, ever, ever, ever forget you! You were "Amazing." "Rest Now." βcuz!
Paula and I was friends we grown up together on Brooke Street in high point we would always be from my house to her house and start back the next day the same way! And as we grown up my family moves to Camden Street high point nc And you talking about a pound cake Paula she could bake a great Cake! I enjoy my Birthday cake in April! She wasn't feeling like bake it but she said I do it for you Gwen I'm going to miss her! πππ
We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family, Larry.
My heartfelt and sincerest condolences to the entire Royal family. Paula and I were classmates at Andrews, and she was a very sweet and devoted friend to whomever she encountered.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.