PAULA JANE WHITTON DEBOLT

Paula Jane Whitton DeBolt, 89, peacefully passed away April 4, 2024 in her home. She was born April 7, 1934 in San Augustine, Texas to Paul and Hazel Whitton.

Paula graduated from San Augustine High School in 1951 and North Texas State College in 1955, where she received a Bachelor of Science and Home Economics Degree and met the love of her life

She married Vernon "Lyle" DeBolt Jr. on June 25, 1955. They moved to Odessa, TX in 1958 after Lyle's service in the Air Force. Together they raised two sons in Odessa, Vernon Lyle DeBolt III and Paul Whitton DeBolt. They moved to Harlingen, TX in 1980 where Lyle was publisher of the Valley Morning Star until he retired in 1998. They were married for 61 years until his death in 2016.

She was an elementary school teacher in Odessa for several years early in her married life, before becoming a full-time homemaker. Two passions in her life were fishing and growing flowers in her yard. She also enjoyed dancing and the outdoors with Lyle in the hunting lease.

She is a past president of the PEO, Chapter T in Harlingen and served on the advisory board of the Gladys Porter Zoo. Paula was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church for 46 years.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Paula's caretakers of many years, Margarita Cantu and the ladies of Companion Sitter Service including Delia, Julia, Tracy, Noemi, and Sandra for their wonderful care.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Hazel Whitton and her husband, Lyle.

Left to treasure Paula's memory are her sons, Vernon of New Bern, NC, Paul (Christine) of McAllen, three granddaughters, Lauren (Dave) Lenn of Swansboro, NC, Sarah DeBolt of Brooklyn, NY, and Catherine (Scott) Chapman of San Francisco, CA and two great granddaughters, Margaret and Ainsley Lenn.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen, TX. Following the service, a reception will be held at the church.

In lieu of floral arrangements, a memorial donation in memory of Paula may be made to the Salvation Army, Loaves and Fishes or a charity of your choice.