Paula Martel Godeaux was born Feb. 15, 1962 in Vidor, Texas to Hilman and June Martel. She left her earthly home to be with our Lord on Jan. 15, 2022 at the age of 59.
At just 7 days old, Paula took her first plane ride to Mexico where her family lived prior to her birth. They lived in Mexico until 1969. Afterwards, they moved to Kirbyville, Texas for a short time before planting their roots in Vidor. She spent her days raising her boys and enjoying life with her family and friends.
Paula was a longtime member of The Ladies Auxillary at the VFW. In all the years she invested in the Auxillary, she never expected to meet her best friend at a New Year’s Eve dance at the VFW but she did. Paula and J.R. both knew at the strike of midnight they would spend the rest of their lives together.
Paula loved the outdoors. She enjoyed spending time at the river and loved to fish. She loved riding four wheel drives and wasn’t afraid to sling a little mud. She loved going on road trips and especially taking a drive along the beach in Galveston. She and J. R. went there often and one of the highlights of their trip was always the Rainforest Cafe.
Paula loved spending time with her family and friends. She cherished every moment she spent with her boys and her grandchildren. She looked forward to holidays so she could spend hours in the kitchen preparing a large meal for everyone to enjoy. She always had her door open and enough food to feed an army.
Those left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Wilfred “J. R.” Godeaux; sons, Chris Arrington and wife, Lee Ann and Paul Arrington and wife, Sarah; daughter, Amy Marie Godeaux; along with nine grandchildren, Nadia, Elize, Christopher ” Jr”, Raymond, Lynzie, Leah, Layne, Cali and Logan. She is also survived by her brother, John Martel and wife, Betty; and sisters, Charlie Reinhardt and Judy Mansfield and husband, Randy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hilman Paul and June Bunker Martel; and her sister, Trudy Martel.
The family received friends from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, and the funeral service began at 11 a.m. The visitation and funeral were held at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home in DeQuincy. Rev. Kevin Inman officiated. Interment followed at Del Rose Cemetery in Vidor, Texas.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
