Minister Paula T. Rankins

Paula Thompson Rankins entered this world on August 4,1951, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the daughter and third child to the late Vance E. Thompson, II and Willie G. Harris-Thompson. Preceding her in death were her parents and two older brothers Vance Thompson III and Walter E. Thompson, Sr.

Paula was raised in the Klondyke district of North Memphis and accepted Christ at an early age at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. She attended Klondyke Elementary School, Northside High School and received her Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology with honors, from Memphis State University.

In 1968, Paula married Williford D. Rankins, and they were blessed with three exceptional children that they dearly love, Shulonda, Jevin, and Christopher.

Paula began her professional career at Tri-State Bank of Memphis and retired from FedEx Corporation, after 25 years of faithful service. During her service at FedEx, she led the Executive Services Call Center team for many years before advancing to senior management in Hub Operations.

In 1984, Paula rededicated her life to Christ, hand-in-hand with her daughter, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Westwood, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. James L. Netters, Sr. One of her most cherished accomplishments was receiving and accepting God’s call into Ministry. She became ordained under the leadership of her Spiritual Mother and Mentor, Pastor Joyce S. Ray, where she served as Administrator and Teacher at All Believer’s Christian Center for many years. After the passing of Pastor Ray, Paula and Williford joined World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church under the leadership of Apostle Alton R. Williams, where she was a staff member and served to launch the Cancer Care Ministry.

Paula was affectionately known by many names - Baby Sister, Mommy, Nani, Miss Ellie of Southfork, Sargent Pepper, Scoop, Gre-T, Sis, and BFF. Endearing memories of Paula’s sweet spirit, love, compassion and standards of excellence will live on forever in the hearts of her husband, Williford D. Rankins; Children, Shulonda L. Rankins, Williford Jevin Rankins (Jacquette), Christopher J. May (Tara), four Grandchildren, Jaidyn M. Rankins, Jairya M. Rankins, Bria R. May and Kinsley S. May. Sisters-in-law, Vivian R. Thompson, Philistene B. Thompson, Binnette Thompson of Oakland, CA, Margaret Rankins of Flint, Michigan, Betty Rankins, Shirley Hollis, Gail Rankins; Brothers-in-law, Albert D. Harwell, Robert Rankins; Aunts, Augustine Kincy of View Park, CA, and Julia Pernell of Cleveland, OH; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends, adopted sons and daughters whose lives she touched.