Paula Whitehead

The Oak Tree is the clan crest of the Anderson Clan of Scotland, our Clan, and its motto, ‘Stand Sure’, exemplified Paula Rose Stallard Whitehead as she lived her life in this manner.

Paula Rose Stallard Whitehead, age 58, was born on October 12, 1962, at Hotel Dieu, and passed away on October 29, 2020. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Paul and Rosa (Israel) Stallard.

Paula graduated from Archbishop Blenk High School in 1981 and attended Southeastern Louisiana University. In 1992, following treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, she was a member of the last graduating class of Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans. Paula served as a registered nurse in multiple settings in the Asheville, North Carolina area. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Education in College Teaching and Learning from Walden University, and was a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). She taught in the nursing programs at South College in Asheville, NC and Western Governors University, all while battling breast cancer.

She was preceded in death by her father; her brother, Phillip Stallard; and her maternal and paternal grandparents; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is survived by her husband of 18 years, Craig Whitehead; her daughter, Melissa Davidson and son-in-law Justin Davidson; her mother, Rosa; sisters and brothers-in-law, Amy (Stallard) and Bob Ramsak and Heather (Stallard) and David Anderson; nieces and nephews, Katie (Anderson) and Brent Charles Alexander, Carrie, Landrum, and Brendan Anderson; step-nieces and nephews, Rob, Rhonda, Derek, Rachel, Seth, Kelly, Matt and Wendy Ramsak and Megan and Shane Dickerson; several step great nieces and nephews; many aunts, uncles and cousins in her Stallard and Israel families; sister-in-law Susanne (Whitehead) and Mark Walker, her dog, Pogeaux; and other extended family and friends.

Paula showed her love for her daughter, parents, husband, and other family members in many ways. She was talented at arts, crafts, and sewing, and created beautiful dresses, costumes, decorations and gifts for her family. Paula also enjoyed cooking and baking, for every-day meals, and especially for holidays and special occasions. She made wonderful desserts, cookies and cakes for weddings, parties, and Christmas celebrations. She participated for several years in the National Gingerbread House Competition in Asheville, NC, placing in the top 10 nationally in 2013.

Paula always liked to laugh and have a good time. She made many happy memories at family gatherings, Mardi Gras parades, festivals, parties, graduations, and vacations. Her family always included at least one dog and/or cat. She and Craig enjoyed gardening and keeping bees for several years at their home in Candler, North Carolina. After moving to Gulfport, Mississippi, Paula enjoyed being in her new home, reconnecting with old friends, and spending time with family.

The family would like to thank the ICU doctors, nurses, technicians, and other staff at Ocean Springs Hospital for their exceptional care and dedication, as well as the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice Care Center. Special thanks to Dr. Allison Wall for her loving care.

At Paula’s request, there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, or St. Joseph Hospice of Gulfport.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is serving the family