Paula Evelyn Pickler

Paula Milstead Pickler died on April 2, 2022 at the age of 83. Paula was born in West Virginia and lived many decades in Garner, North Carolina. Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Helen, and her husband, Pat. Paula is survived by the many people whose lives she touched at Lord of Life Lutheran Church and throughout the Garner community. Paula worked many years as an editor for the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association in Raleigh, wrote for the Garner News, and worked with Pat in his contracting business. Pat said that Paula was the “best cut-off man I ever had” in the trim carpentry business. Paula was an artist and taught art lessons. She was a charter member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, where she was active in leadership and numerous ministries, including advising the youth group, singing alto in the choir, editing the newsletter, running the church office, and serving the community through the Social Concerns Ministry. Paula was among the original “kitchen ladies” preparing breakfast for the Garner Morning Rotary Club, where she was inducted as an honorary Rotarian. Paula was a loyal friend and stood in as a mother to those who needed her. She loved animals and caring for plants. Paula had a wicked sense of humor and played a sharp hand of Rook with a good partner. She was sustained by her faith in times of trouble and welcomed home lovingly by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Paula was a one-of-a-kind who will be sorely missed until we see her again. A memorial service will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 2100 Buffaloe Rd., Garner, NC, on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 11:00. Weather permitting, Paula’s ashes will be interred at the Lord of Life Memorial Love Garden next to those of Pat. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Paula may be made to Lord of Life Lutheran Church.