Paula Jean Kellehan-Crew

Service for Paula Kellehan-Crew will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Blue Starr Church of Christ, 319 East Blue Starr Drive, Claremore, burial will follow at Lone Chapel Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 4pm-6pm.

Paula Kellehan-Crew “Mimi” cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend conquered the challenges of this life on Friday, February 5th, at the age of 72, after battling her body for 17 days in an Illinois hospital. Paula is now free of pain and in the eternal home with our Lord. Paula was born April 22, 1948 in Henryetta to Barney Hawkins, Sr. & Verna (Earnhart) Hawkins. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her 3 siblings, Mercedes Odom, Sue Chisholm, Barney "Bunny" Hawkins, Jr. Paula is survived by her sister Aundrea Jackson & husband Mickey; daughter Carla Smythe & husband Gary; son Brian Kellehan & wife Brenda; 4 granddaughters; 4 adored great grandchildren; by many loved nieces and nephews; also, by a host of friends and other relatives from the Wilson, Sequoyah and Justus-Tiwah school families.

Paula lived her life working to love and spoil those closest to her.  All who met Paula have a story to share about a time that she dropped everything and offered a safe place full of love and understanding.  Paula was by her daughter Carla’s side from deployments, many traveling adventures, raising teenage daughters, traveling to see grandkids, planning holidays, daily shopping trips, and always reminding Carla of what she forgot.  Paula spent her last months in Illinois with Carla and Gary by her side. Paula adored her baby boy Brian who she loved to cook for and to be around.  If Brian was in the room you could find Paula right next to him.  Paula would always talk about the many ways that her children and their spouses were there for her. She enjoyed being their mother and would always find a way to sprinkle their lives with a little bit of magic. Mimi had a way of always seeing the best in her granddaughters Whitney and Jamie. Through the years she offered constant love and a listening ear with some not so gentle guidance at times.  Everyone needs a Mimi in their life to brag on you when you’re feeling down and to lift you back up with the sweetest tea and the best snuggles. For Maddex, Mason, Reece, and Maeleigh, Mimi was always there to spoil, love, and to play games together late into the night.  Mimi loved to hear about their sports and always made sure that celebrations were over the top and special.  The kids adored their Mimi and would create mischief to amuse her.  Paula lived life with a sense of loyalty, fun and adventure.  She would often crack herself up with stories of mishap that she had while traveling with her sisters, nieces, and friends.  It seemed like for every outing there was a funny story to tag along with it from mismatched shoes to beachside mishaps.  Paula knew what was important in life and she gave all of herself in every situation.  Paula’s travels took her away from the tight knit communities that she loved but she seemed to always find her way back to home.  She enjoyed catching up with friends and following former students.

Because of Paula, each of us may live a little more compassionately; we will slow down to listen a little longer, love a little more, and judge a little less. Paula was a true example of loving others unconditionally.  The hole that she leaves in our hearts will not be easily filled. We will keep smiling and know that the sun will eventually shine through.  We will honor you with our love for one another and keep your traditions alive until the day that we meet again.