Paula Elsie Huff Boan

Paula Elsie Huff Boan, 83 went to be with the Lord on April 28, 2024, at her home in Gainesville, Georgia. She bravely fought a lengthy battle with interstitial lung disease.  

Paula was born on January 13, 1941 in LaGrange, Georgia to James Frank Huff and Pauline Holeman Huff. She grew up with her older brother, James Frank Huff. She graduated from LaGrange High School in 1959. She moved to Washington DC after high school and attended George Washington University. During her time in Washington DC, she worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as an administrative assistant. She also worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as an administrative assistant. Her work for the federal government brought her back to Atlanta, Georgia in 1965 where she worked for the United States Forest Service in administration and training. It was at this time she met the love of her life, Ken, her husband of 58 years. They were married on July 16, 1966 and made their homes in Norcross, Lilburn and Snellville before moving to Gainesville, Georgia in 2021. Paula was a loving wife, mother and homemaker for many years to Ken, Paige and Chad and returned to the United States Forest Service in 1986 until her retirement in 2001. She also delighted in being Nana to her grandchildren -Katherine, Andrew and Parker.

Paula loved Jesus with all her heart and was a prayer warrior for her children, grandchildren and so many others. She was blessed with the gift of hospitality, opening her home to entertain with a delicious meal, beautiful flowers and warm Southern hospitality. She was a master gardener who shared her love of nature, birds and hydrangeas with all who knew her. Her children and grandchildren brought her much joy as she poured into their lives as a stay at home mother for many years and later on as a grandmother. Paula was an active member of Lilburn Alliance Church and later, Cornerstone Bible Church where she taught women’s Bible study for many years and served faithfully. After moving to Gainesville, Georgia, she regularly attended Lakewood Baptist Church. Paula loved to laugh and her quick wit and humor along with her facial expressions were priceless.  She was a patient listener and enjoyed cultivating friendships over great conversation. She was present at so any activities, performances and sporting events for her grandchildren. After retirement she enjoyed traveling with her family. She so loved the ocean and time spent on the beaches of Florida and coastal Georgia.  Gardening was her favorite hobby and her yard at each home was exquisite as she spent many hours tending her beautiful hydrangeas which she was well known for. Her zest for life was contagious and she will be greatly missed by family, friends and neighbors. She is fully whole and healed and we look forward with anticipation to when we will join her in heaven.

She is survived by her husband Kenneth Leighton Boan and her two children, Paige Leighton Boan of Gainesville, Georgia and Chad Austin Boan (Laura) of Fernandina Beach, Florida, three grandchildren, Katherine Hannah Schwartz, Andrew Coleman Schwartz and Parker Austin Boan,  

Her nieces and nephews include, Scott Huff (Jeannie), Brent Huff (Mike), Pace Huff, Derek Boan and nieces Deana Boan Baggett (Wade), Collins E. Anderson, brother-in-law, Dean Boan (Priscilla), sisters- in-law, Marina Huff, Evon Davis and Elaine Saugsted (Ted). She was preceded in death by her parents, James Frank Huff and Pauline Holeman Huff, brother, Frank Holeman Huff and granddaughter, Emma Caroline Schwartz. The family wishes to thank Meghan and Sarah of Georgia Hospice and Eboni Teasley for their expert care, kindness and love during Paula’s time under hospice care.

           The visitation and memorial service will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 2 pm in the chapel with Pastor Chuck Taylor and Pastor Tyler Smiley officiating.

Paula loved flowers and the family welcomes them, but she also loved the community of believers where she worshipped. The family requests that any memorial donations in her name be made to Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville, Georgia or Cornerstone Bible Church in Lilburn, Georgia.      

          Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com .   For viewing on livestream www.facebook.com/MemRiversideNorth