Paula Faye Raley Pack, 84, of Monticello, Arkansas passed away on January 28, 2021 after a strong and courageous battle with COVID-19. She was born February 29, 1936 to the late Paul Alexander Raley and the late Mildred Faye Ponder Raley.

She is survived by her sons Lester David Pack, Jr. of Monticello, Arkansas and William (Bill) Meredith Pack and wife Shelly Martin Pack of Parker, Colorado and granddaughter Meredith Hannah Pack of Denver, Colorado. Nieces Cindy Pack McMahon (Fred) of Old Bridge, New Jersey and Melinda Pack Crowder (Marty) of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and nephew Mark Finnell (Tammy) of Burr Oak, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Paul Alston Pack and granddaughter Marlee Hope Pack.

Paula was a graduate of Henderson State Teachers College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and did post graduate studies in Music Education at North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. She taught music in the Pine Bluff, Arkansas school district for many years before retiring to run Raley’s Style Shoppe in Hope, Arkansas, a family business founded in 1969 by her mother. She also served as the Organist and Choir Director at Grace Episcopal Church in Pine Bluff for almost 20 years.

She was very active in civic affairs her entire adult life. She served as the President of the Pine Bluff Musical Coterie, served on the Board of Directors of the Hope Arkansas Arts Council and later as its Executive Director. She served many years as the Executive Director of the Hope Arkansas United Way setting many records for fund raising during her long tenure. One of her proudest and most meaningful accomplishments was being named Hope/Hempstead County Citizen of the Year in 2002.

Paula was larger than life. Her colorful personality, boisterous and unforgettable manner and love of life made her one of a kind. She was an amazing woman, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend to many and special person to all she met. She will be missed more than words can say.

Due to current COVID conditions, a Celebration of her Life will be held later when friends and family can gather safely to remember her long and full life.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to: Marlee’s Smile Foundation, which continues her late granddaughter’s legacy of giving. Donations may be mat at www.marleessmile.org

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Online condolences: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com
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