Paula was born June 16, 1965, in Bartow County, was employed at David's Auto Sales in Rome and was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Acworth.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charlie and Margene Edwards and Albert and Zona Whitener.
Surviving are her children, Billy and Brandy Ford of Cohutta, Dana and Jorge Sanchez of Cartersville, Tiffany and Jason Turner of Calhoun; nine grandchildren; parents, Nancy and Jerry Thacker of Kingston, Paul and Annette Whitener of Adairsville, stepmother, Shelty Whitener of Cartersville; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and John McRobie of Tunnel Hill; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rev. Donnie and Carol Whitener and Morris and Elsa Whitener and Johnny Wilson, all of Cartersville; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Owen Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Boston and Rev. Donnie Whitener.
Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 4 to 9 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Michael Overton, Billy Ford III, Morris Whitener, Lamar and Victor Crowe, Charles and Mark Gibson, Chris Borders and Rev. Louie G. Casey.
Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, is in charge of the arrangements.