Paula Faye Parson

Paula Faye Ayers Parson, age 73, of Lake Elsinore, California transitioned to heaven on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 after a brave and steady battle against non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastasis. Initially given a prognosis of less than a year, Paula defied the odds and spent the next 7 years showing cancer that she wasn’t going down easily. She focused not on death, but on living and enjoying life. She had a devilish twinkle in her eyes and an infectious smile and laugh.

Paula was born in Lubbock, Texas on January 14, 1950 to Robert Cumpy Ayers and Mary Eunice Condray Ayers. She loved her family with all her being and frequently spoke about growing up with her parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and many many cousins.

She was an avid reader who enjoyed a good mystery - especially those set at Christmas. She loved British detective shows and the Hallmark channel - especially the Christmas movies. Paula loved to play games and was especially fond of card games and clue. She was very imaginative and creative when playing paper dolls and Barbies with the granddaughters and nieces. She relished baking with the kids and grandkids - especially at Christmas. Everyone loved her fudge and cookies. Christmas was Paula’s favorite holiday. There were themed Christmas trees in every room and her hand painted Santas adorn the home even in the non-Christmas season. She definitely loved Christmas movies, Christmas music and wrapping presents. Presents had to have an appropriate coordinated bow and woe to the person who mistreated a bow on Christmas morning. She and Debbie enjoyed entertaining and hosting parties - especially at Christmas. Those who knew Paula know that she loved her Dr. Pepper and a good margarita. She and Debbie enjoyed traveling - especially to family events. Paula loved animals. Her favorites were flamingos, dogs, cats, large noisy birds, turtles and elephants. We are positive that she was greeted by the souls of her many dogs and cats as she entered heaven.

She is survived by her spouse of almost 28 years Debbie Miller, children Steven Parson (Kai) - Thailand, Shelley Duke - CA, and Terry Woodrow - CA. Grandchildren Steven Duke (Valarie Ramirez) - TX, MacKenzie Duke - CA, Adeline Woodrow - CA. Great grandsons Grayson and Carter Duke - TX. Sisters Mary Linda Brumbaugh (Richard) - CA, Maxine Nolte - TX, Terrie Bennett (Renee Phillips) - Fl. Brother-in law Ken Miller (Mary) - CO, Sisters-in-law Carol Kelley - MT and Diane Portner (Robert) - TX. She also leaves behind MANY close nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were a significant part of her life.

She is greeted in heaven by her loving parents, sister Janice Goodgion, brother Robert Ayers, brothers-in-laws Odie Goodgion and Ronnie Nolte, and mother-in-law Adeline Miller. The welcoming committee also includes her neice, aunts, uncles, and some cousins.

Paula’s celebration of life will be held on Friday August 11, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church 44651 Avenida de Missiones Temecula, CA 92592. The family requests that you help us celebrate Paula’s love of flamingos and animals by wearing your favorite flamingo attire. We hope to create a flamboyance of flamingos. This is a casual dress code celebration. Reception to follow at the church.

The family extends its deep appreciation and love to Paula’s formal and informal caregivers during this time, especially Jessie Ladino, the Ladino family, the many extended family members in our Del Fiore cul-de-sac, nieces Robbie and Becky, and our loving Ensign and Pennant families.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Paula’s name to any of the following:

o Elevate Charities (https://elevatecharities.org All donations to Elevate Charities (ID #26-3458040) are tax deductible (IRS Code 501c3);

o St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital;

o Your favorite cancer related charity; or

o Your favorite animal shelter.