Paula Marie Weeks

Paula Marie Weeks, age 65, of Altus, Arkansas, passed away, Thursday, August 17, 2023 in Ozark. She was born September 11, 1957 in Altus, Arkansas to Billy Pledger and Alene Clayburn Pledger. She is preceded in death by her parents; and one daughter, Jennifer Golden. Paula was the matriarch, the oldest sibling, a favorite aunt, a creator of laughter, first to come to the rescue, the person that fixed it all, and the guider. She loved her family. Her children called her mom, grandchildren called her g-momma, her brothers called her sis, and all who knew her in Altus called her Paula. She helped raise her niece and most of Franklin and surrounding counties. She had so many special things about her, sending birthday cards, calling to check in out of the blue, showing up to all the graduations, baby showers, weddings, and funerals. She loved to be around her people and enjoyed their company. She brought a dessert to everything and her 4-layer dessert is a River Valley legend. Paula carried a small denim purse that came from sometime in the 70’s, 80’s, or 90’s, full of necessities, which saved every prom, basketball game, and graduation at Altus-Denning school. As a pillar of the community she still holds some small wrist scars from the Indian Taco fundraisers we all enjoyed growing up in Altus. If there was a Girl Scout, Boy Scout, Club, church event, that needed a sponsor, she was your woman. Until the day she died she still wore Altus-Denning school t-shirts and she will always be an Altus Owl. Paula lived in the house her parents built with the foundation blocks from Hendrix College. Her home was a place that all were welcome, and most of Franklin County slept on her couch at least once. When the Head Start program considered coming to Altus in 1986, Paula knocked on every door in town to sign up the little ones for preschool. She valued education so much that she was constantly taking college classes to learn and set an example to her family. Paula loved road tripping and was the first to jump at the chance to explore the backroads of the Ozarks which her grandchildren grew to love and enjoy as well. She knew all the dirt roads in Arkansas. Her family is grateful that her illness was short lived and she passed without suffering. She died peacefully surrounded by those who loved her eternally. Paula is survived by her children, Cory Weeks of New Blaine, Arkansas, Brandi Richardson of Oppelo, Arkansas, Zachary Weeks and significant other Jennifer O’Mara of Ozark, and Caitlin Weeks of Altus; two brothers, Tim Pledger of Altus and Doug Pledger and wife Madeline of Ozark; seven grandchildren, Trey, Bob, and Bill Weeks, Zailey and Brook Nichols, Alexander Golden and Macy Weeks. Memorial visitation will be 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Shaffer Funeral Home, 2315 West Commercial Street in Ozark, with Brother Mike Pennington officiating. Cremation arrangements were made under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home. To leave an online memorial visit www.shafferfuneralhomeweb.com

Paula Marie Weeks

September 11, 1957 - August 17, 2023