Paula Jean Wiggs Schoppe

Mrs. Paula Jean Wiggs Schoppe of Conroe, Texas stepped into the welcoming arms of Jesus on Friday, January 13, 2023 at the age of 74. She was born on November 28, 1948 in Rockdale, Texas. She was the only child of her beloved and dearly departed parents, Frank Fulton Wiggs Jr. & Pauline Starnes Wiggs of Tyler, Texas.

Paula was an outgoing, caring, loving, and determined woman who loved her Lord, family, church, and friends. One could always find her volunteering for various organizations and helping others in need. She loved people, especially children, and it showed. In fact, her life’s work would later involve thousands of

Conroe ISD children over 34 years.

Growing up Paula made her home in various Texas towns such as Rockdale, Killeen, but mostly her beloved hometown of Tyler, Texas. She enjoyed what all children love: playing, laugher, family, and friends. She spoke fondly even years later of her growing-up years in this deep, East Texas town. What captured her young life was playing in the band at Robert E. Lee High School, volunteering as a Campfire Counselor, being a Red Cross lifeguard during the summers as well as helping handicapped children at summer camps. But what Paula was most proud of was her participation in the illustrious and enchanting Texas Rose Festival where in 1968 she was a “Lady in Waiting” as a ‘Mexican Poppy.’ Her elegant photo remains prominently displayed to this day in their museum hall.

She would go on to even greater adventures once she moved to Huntsville, TX to naturally pursue a degree in teaching. Helping and mentoring children was the beat of her heart. She excelled at her classes, yet another love would soon blossom. On May 31, 1971 Paula married her dear husband, Kenneth Wayne Schoppe. The two would build a legacy that would span 51 years.

A new love would shape her heart when her devoted son, Kevin Wayne Schoppe, was born in 1980. Her life’s work was devotion to her husband, son, grandchildren, and countless children in Conroe. She worked as a 4th, 5th, and 6th grade teacher in several CISD schools such as Austin Elementary, Reaves Intermediate, Crockett Intermediate, Washington Intermediate, and Travis Intermediate. Her students remember her fondly as a fair, conscientious, and consistent teacher who challenged her students with high expectations yet with joy and compassion. Dedication epitomized Paula.

The crowning jewels in Paula’s life were her husband, Kenneth, son, Kevin, daughter-in-law, Sharon, and her three darling grandchildren, Ruth Anne, Samuel, and Nathanael. She would dedicate the rest of her life loving and serving them. Adoring her grandchildren and showering them with her love and gifts was her calling.

Her retirement years did not damper her determination but only broadened her opportunities for epic travel excursions with her husband, Ken, as they jaunted all over the world together. Cruising was their pastime, yet when not at sea, Paula could not be kept down! She would generously give back to her community by serving in the Pan American Round Table of Conroe as their Recording Secretary. She gave back to her church, First United Methodist, as a volunteer in Vacation Bible School along with serving in Adult Bible Study, Susie Hill Circle, and giving of her time to Christmas Food baskets. She also served as the writer for the newsletter for Montgomery County Association of Retired School Personnel. You could always find Paula with a hand up, not a handout.

Even in the last years of her life, Paula never gave up, despite chronic pain. She graciously watched over her grandchildren and gave of her time. All those who knew and loved her will greatly miss her, but her heart of dedication and devotion lives on in their hearts.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Kenneth Wayne Schoppe, son, Kevin Wayne Schoppe and his wife, Sharon Schoppe, along with their three children, Ruth Anne Schoppe, Samuel Schoppe, and Nathanael Schoppe. Many other cherished family consisting of brother-in-laws and their wives and children, cousins and nieces and nephews will all carry her legacy in their hearts.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2023 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Cashner Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 11:00am in Cashner Colonial Hall with entombment to follow in Garden Park Mausoleum.

In addition to flowers, family and friends are invited to give to The Trellis Project at Lakeside Bible Church of Montgomery, Texas https://www.lakesidebiblechurch.org/the-trellis-project (directly benefitting her grandchildren with their new Child & Youth Center building project) as well as a scholarship program for aspiring, young pre-service schoolteachers with Pan American Round Table of Conroe, Texas. (Donations can be sent to Woody Hearn, 100 Ridgewood Rd, Conroe, Texas 77304) Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cashnerconroe.com for the Schoppe family.