Paula Stephens

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister, Paula Renee Stephens passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the age of 63, after a long battle with ALS. Beloved among her family as well as her professional and church communities, Paula’s inexhaustible spirit continues to inspire among those she left behind, who would all agree that she is likely already rejoicing in finding some of the most difficult work to do in Heaven, and enjoying every minute of it. 

Paula was born January 18, 1960 at Harris Hospital in Fort Worth, TX, and moved to the Middle Tennessee area in May 1968.  She graduated from Antioch High School in 1978, and soon after earned a BS degree from Belmont University. Her career included many years in the insurance industry, where she was highly regarded, including receiving the President’s Award in 1990. She further spent 15 years in various roles at Vanderbilt University, including Administrative Officer for the Peabody Special Education Department. 

Between spending time with her granddaughters, and her love for travel and the outdoors, she could also be found volunteering with Big Brothers / Big Sisters, teaching ESL classes, and opening her home to her church small group. For as long as she was able, she was equally comfortable on a bike or hiking trail, pitching a tent, operating construction equipment, or bowing in prayer. Following her diagnosis with ALS in January 2017, Paula continued to exceed expectations, and fought until the end, surrounded by the continual love and support of her family. 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Stephens, and her sister, Laura Stephens.  She is survived by her father William H. Stephens, husband Joseph A. Baker, brother Greg Stephens, sister Carol Stephens, sons Jason (Nicole) Cooner and Joshua (Kassie) Baker, and 4 grandchildren Hailey, Chelsea, Jacqueline, and Fiona. 

The family invites you to a celebration of her life Saturday July 22, 2023 at The Village Chapel,   2021 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37212. Visitation is from 1:30p.m. to 3p.m.  in the Chapel. Service at 3p.m in the Chapel as we honor her life and celebrate her arrival into the eternal embrace of her Savior. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tennessee chapter of The ALS Association. https://donate.tn.als.org