Paula J. Harris

Paula was born on August 27, 1952, in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of Thomas O. and Joyce E. Clark Harris. Paula was a 1970 graduate of Griggsville High School and attended SIU-Edwardsville and Lincoln College. Paula and April Poole were longtime companions and united by Rite of Holy Union in 2004.

Paula worked many types of jobs - forklift driver, security, travel agent, and medical receptionist. She retired from SIU School of Medicine and went on to be an insurance representative for American Family Insurance. Finally, Paula was a courier for Velox Express where she transported Gift of Hope donations while praying for the family of the deceased.

Paula was an active and sustaining member of Heartland Metropolitan Community Church, holding many leadership roles. As the congregational care leader, she was able to fulfill her calling to love and care for others throughout the community. Paula was an early member of the Coalition of Rainbow Alliances and previously served as Vice President. She loved dancing and music, often times singing a tune to match any situation. She was an avid Cubs fan, relishing in the 2016 World Series Championship. She also enjoyed fishing, completing crossword puzzles, and traveling to the beach.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Laurel J. Harris and Cheryl J. Chaplin; one brother, Tom M. Harris; and fishing and baseball buddy, Candy Parker.

She is survived by her spouse, April Poole of Springfield. Her family of choice was large and included two sons, Ret. Cmdr. Richard L. (Sandy) Preston of O’Fallon, IL and Michael R. (Jennifer) Preston of Springfield; four grandsons, Quinlin (Emily), Joshua, Leif, and Roman Preston. Other survivors are two siblings, Amanda (Pam Spoor) Kemper-Spoor and Steven Mark (companion, Karen Funk) Harris; brother-in-law, Bob Chaplin; godson, Tim Harris; great-niece, Emily Catalano-Kemper; many other nieces and nephews including Vince, Sue, Brenda, Peter, Chris, Matt, Brent, Kelly, Lizzy, and Olivia; and beloved dog, Hildi.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following the visitation.

Celebration of Life: 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Chatham United Methodist Church, 104 West Chestnut St., Chatham with Rev. Jon Mark Bormann officiating. ASL interpretation will be provided at both services. For this wishing the stream the ceremony, you can do so by visiting https://youtube.com/live/BKpFyma-N4I?feature=share,

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heartland Metropolitan Community Church, P.O. Box 8881, Springfield, IL 62791.