Paula Marie Girton

In Loving Memory of Paula Marie Girton

Paula Marie Girton was born on November 10, 1958, in Shelbyville, Kentucky, to Shirley Allison and Marion Girton. She was raised in Taylorsville, Kentucky, where she attended Taylorsville Baptist Church as a child. At approximately eleven years old, she moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where she spent the remainder of her life. Paula was a proud graduate of Fern Creek High School, where she participated in ROTC, and later attended the University of Louisville.Paula was a strong, independent, hardworking woman who dedicated her life to caring for her family. She worked tirelessly, often holding two jobs to provide for her children. Cooking was both her occupation and her love language, and everyone who knew Mama knew there was nothing like her food. She was generous beyond measure, welcoming everyone with open arms and never allowing anyone to feel like a stranger. Her philosophy was simple: if she had a home, you had a home; if she had 25 cents, you had 25 cents, too.Above all, Paula loved her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she helped raise and adored endlessly. Although she was strict with her own children, her grandchildren somehow managed to get a pass! She was funny, playful, and full of life. She loved dancing, music—especially Prince—The Five Heartbeats, and her Western shows and movies. And when Mama had a few drinks, the laughter was guaranteed! Her beloved dogs, Max and Special, were her babies and held a special place in her heart.

Paula leaves to cherish her memory her children, Derek Girton and his wife, Brandy; Antwan Girton; and Teandrea Fields; Her companion Edward Crumble; her beloved grandchildren, Derek Girton Jr., Teyonna Girton, Malachi Girton, Jacariah Girton, DeJuan Williams, TeJuan Williams, Dezstinee Williams, Aniyah Girton, Tajanae Girton, Ahmari Girton, Kyrion Williams, Korde’ Girton, Ahmeir Girton, Zyrin Girton, Autumn Girton, Zylah Girton, Mahki Allen, Alionna Waide, Benson Waide, and Amiah Allen; and her great-grandchildren, including three expected.She also leaves her siblings, Vincent Girton; Renita Cain and her husband, Charles Cain; Marion Girton Jr. and his wife Theressa; James Girton and his wife Pam; Larry Girton; Jerry Girton; and Angela Girton; her cherished best friends, Sylvia Johnson and Belinda Caldwell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley Allison and Marion Girton; her stepfather, William Allison; her grandparents, Lorena Moran and Elliot Moran; her beloved grandchildren, Tajanae Johnson and Deodric Girton/Starnes; and her sister-in-law, Veronica Girton. She also leaves behind her beloved dogs, Max and Special.

A Final Farewell to Mama. 

How do you say goodbye to a woman who made sure everybody had a place to go? How do you put into words the loss of someone whose love was woven into so many lives? The truth is, some people leave this world, but the love they gave never leaves us.Mama, you spent your life making sure other people were okay. You worked hard, sacrificed, cooked, laughed, loved, and gave even when you didn't have much to give. You made room for people in your home and in your heart. You helped raise your grandchildren, loved your family fiercely, and welcomed people who weren't even related to you as if they had always belonged.There will be birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, and ordinary days when your absence feels heavier than words can explain. There will be moments when we wish we could have just one more conversation, one more hug, one more meal, or one more chance to tell you how much you mean to us.But we will remember your jokes, your cooking, your dancing, your favorite music, and the way you loved those babies. We will remember how you could make people laugh when they needed it most and how you never needed much to make somebody feel cared for. 

That was our Mama. A giver. A nurturer. A hard worker. A comedian without even trying. A mother. A grandmother. A friend. A woman whose heart was big enough to make room for everybody. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that your suffering is over and your battle has been fought. We pray that you are resting peacefully, surrounded by the perfect peace that this world could never give you. Mama, you gave us so much of yourself that a piece of you will live in every one of us. Your children will carry your lessons. Your grandchildren will carry your love. Your great-grandchildren will grow up hearing your stories. And the people you helped along the way will continue to speak your name with love. You may no longer be able to open your door for us, but the home you built in our hearts will always remain open.

Rest peacefully, Mama. You have loved us well. You have given us memories that time cannot erase. Your work here is done, but your legacy is just beginning.We love you beyond words, we miss you beyond measure, and we will carry you with us for the rest of our lives.Until we meet again, Mama. Forever our home. Forever our heart. Forever our Mama.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 11am-1pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, Southwest Louisville Chapel, 10304 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40272 with a celebration of Paula's life beginning at 1pm.

To leave a special memory of Paula for the family, please visit the "Guestbook" below.