Paula Marie Taft

Paula Marie Stoots Taft, known affectionately as Paula to her friends and family, passed away on October 3, 2024, at the age of 58 in Dothan, Alabama. Born in Trenton, Tennessee, on January 15, 1966, to Charles and Anna Stoots, Paula grew up to be a spirited woman whose generous heart and lively character left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Paula attended Peabody High School, where her strong will and charismatic nature shone brightly. She furthered her education at Tennessee Tech, pursuing her interest in computers, which reflected her love for learning and adapting to new challenges. Paula's work ethic was admirable; she spent many years contributing to her community through various roles. She worked as a factory worker, provided friendly service at Brown Shoe, and served up smiles at a local fast-food restaurant.

Her vivacious spirit was matched only by her capacity to love and give. Paula's life was rich with the love of her family, including her late husband, Randy Taft, who predeceased her. She was a devoted mother to her sons, Robert Broadbent (married to Shenia) and Joseph Broadbent (married to Megan), and a doting grandmother to Blayne Showers, Kylie, Kaelyn, Jamison, and Addie Mae Broadbent. Her role as a matriarch was cherished by all, and she nurtured her family with the same hands that so skillfully crafted and restored beauty in the world around her.

Paula was the beloved daughter of her mother, Anna Marie Stoots, and was preceded in death by her father, Charles Stoots. She was a dear sister to Sammie Stoots (Trisha), Danny Stoots (Tammy), Charles Stoots, Michael Stoots, Beverly Fuller (Frank), Stephanie Smith, and Waymon Stoots. Her siblings, along with her numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members, will remember Paula as the life of every gathering, someone who could effortlessly turn any moment into a fond memory.

Throughout her life, Paula's interests painted a picture of a woman who was as creative as she was determined. She had a profound love for crafts and excelled in restoring furniture, often breathing new life into worn pieces with her skilled hands and imaginative vision. Her artistic talents were widely recognized, especially when she refurbished the doors at the Houston Love Memorial Library in Dothan, Alabama—a testament to her dedication to the community and her passion for preservation.

Paula loved to color the world not just through her crafts, but also through her personality. She was known to be stubborn yet giving, goofy yet serious when needed, and above all, loving. Her presence could best be described as a warm embrace—comforting, generous, and spirited.

Her laughter was infectious, her advice invaluable, and her capacity to care for others truly remarkable. Paula's legacy is not just in the objects she restored or the projects she completed, but in the lives, she touched and the love she spread. She taught us that to live fully is to live with an open heart, ready to love and ready to give.

As we bid farewell to Paula Marie Stoots Taft, we celebrate a life splendidly lived, a journey marked by love, laughter, and the occasional act of mischief. While she leaves behind a void that cannot be filled, her stories, her lessons, and the warmth of her love will continue to inspire and guide us. Paula's memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com