Paula Jane McDuffee, 83, of Pensacola, Florida, went to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 6, 2026.

Paula was born in Crowley, Louisiana, on September 21, 1942. She spent her early years between Las Vegas, Nevada, and Truman, Arkansas. It was in Truman that she met the love of her life, Wayne McDuffee, at a very young age. They were married for 53 wonderful years.

After faithfully praying and asking the Lord for a child, their prayers were answered 22 years later with the birth of their daughter, Joy. Together, Paula and Wayne served faithfully for many years at their home churches, Trinity and Central Baptist Church.

Paula had the gift of exhortation. She encouraged countless people through her life, her wisdom, and her Godly principles. She taught women’s ministry and was especially known for her Titus 2 classes. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she impacted throughout Arkansas.

In the spring of 1998, the family moved to Pensacola, Florida, to be part of the Brownsville Revival, an experience that forever impacted their lives.

During Wayne’s long illness, Paula lovingly and faithfully cared for him with unwavering devotion.

For more than 20 years, Paula worked with Weight Watchers, where she found great joy in encouraging others. What began as a career became a personal ministry, and through it she formed many lifelong friendships.

One of the greatest joys of Paula’s life was watching Joy grow into the woman God called her to be and seeing her pursue His presence. She was also overjoyed when Joy married Daniel, the son she had always wanted. Together, the three of them traveled throughout the United States, creating treasured memories and sharing many adventures that Paula cherished deeply.

Above all, Paula pursued a deep relationship with God. She studied His Word daily, sought to live by His principles, and inspired others to do the same. She was a giant in the faith and a hero to all who knew and loved her.

She ran her race well and finished strong.

Isaiah 60:19

“The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.”

Paula was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne McDuffee, and her parents, Paul and Janie Marvel.

She is survived by her daughter, Joy McDuffee Guntharp; her son-in-law, Daniel Guntharp; and many beloved cousins and extended family members from Arkansas to California.

A Celebration of Life for her Florida family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 11, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1313 Autumn Breeze Circle, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563. Friends are welcome to stop by at any time during the celebration.

A Celebration of Life in Jonesboro, Arkansas, for family and friends will be held on August 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 605 Marlo Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401. Friends and family are welcome to stop by at any time during the celebration.