Paula M. Smith

Paula May Smith, 82, of Columbus, Oh, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 22, 2023 after a long battle with dementia.

Paula was born on March 4, 1940 to William James and Maxine Molly (Jones) Bricker in Los Angeles, California. Paula worked for Southwestern City Schools in the cafeteria for forty years, retiring in 2014 as a Head Cook. She had a childlike innocence, something dementia was unable to take from her, and she found great happiness in working with children. She was a shining spot during the school day for many children throughout her years with Southwestern City Schools.

She enjoyed screaming at the television during Ohio State football, being the best in a game of euchre and was always up for an adventure. She was never afraid to try new things and her hair color changed with the seasons. Paula enjoyed eating Lean Cuisine's and drinking Sierra Mist. She most looked forward to receiving her annual Alan Jackson wall calendar, which she hung prominently in her kitchen. She loved to read romance novels and do crossword puzzles and word searches. Her driving ability left much to be desired and her insurance premium rivaled her mortgage. She was a hard worker and worked more than one job most of her life. She was known for her vivacious personality and she truly danced her way through life. In fact, if she were able to read this she would respond with a hearty laugh, a punch to the arm and a sharply aimed, "you dirty bird."

For everything that Paula was, she was most passionate about those she loved. She is preceded in death and reunited with her parents, William James Bricker and Maxine and Leo Ambrose Hoffman, as well as her brother, Harry James Bricker. She is survived by her children, Kimberly Sue Massie of McConnelsville, OH, Roger Lee Carpenter Jr. of Hemet, CA, and Rita (Benny) Smith of Riverview, FL; grandchildren, Amanda (David) Goldberg of Marietta, OH, Joshua Massie of Columbus, OH, Gregg Anthony Massie Jr. of McConnelsville, OH, Angie Carpenter of Henderson, NV and Roger Lee Carpenter III, of Hemet, CA; as well as extended great grandchildren, most closely, Lydia Goldberg, Braelen Massie and Westen Massie.

We invite friends and family to join us for visitation on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123. Paula will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens following a private service with her family.