Paula Renea Jennings

Paula Renea Jennings was born on a warm summer’s night in Dallas, Texas to parents Jerry and Suzann Jennings. She was lively and full of energy from the moment she came into the world!

She attended grade school in Grand Prairie, Texas then later spent her high school years at both Arlington Lamar and Coppell High School. Paula went on to attain her license as a claim adjustor. She then worked for several major insurance companies including Allstate and State Farm throughout the years working with customers that had unexpected urgent needs. Little did she know this career path was only a stepping stone to who she would truly become-a woman who would help many, many people with her acts of kindness and colorful personality.

Paula never met a stranger. Her outgoing and witty personality drew people to her in a remarkable way.  She had friends from every walk of life, and each one loved and considered her special because she was.  Known as a “life changer”, she loved God and shared her heart for Him with many. Some people do so with words, but Paula humbly demonstrated Him by her actions. The lives she touched are as countless as the stars.

Paula enjoyed creating art, shopping for treasures at estate sales, and spending time with people. She was famous for shaking up every room she entered. She had a unique way of making people laugh and to feel comfortable in any situation. She also loved cats and rescued many. They were like her children and she took care of them as if they were.

Paula suffered a heart attack and died a week later from complications on February 9, 2023 at age 54. She is survived by the family she was so proud of: her husband, Michael “Derek” Lord, her mother and stepfather Suzann and Gary Jinks, her stepmother Sandra Jennings, her sister Tammy Jennings Balagot and her husband Oscar, her niece Shauna Li and her husband Wei, and niece Morgan Markovic and her husband Chris. She was also survived by her stepsister Marcy Lindenmuth and her husband Kyle and their children, Jack and Evi along with her stepsister Dr. Jill Gaidos and her husband Danny, and their children Henry and Clara. She also had multiple aunts, uncles and cousins. Paula was preceded in death in 2016 by the father she adored, Gerald Lynn Jennings.

Paula’s funeral service will be held on February 18, 2023 at 1:00pm at Sagamore Baptist Church, 2301 Dottie Lynn Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas 76120.

Paula, delight now in God’s glory and blessings. With your loving heart you have left behind a legend and inspired us now to make our own. You were adored by everyone you knew and will be greatly missed.