BEDFORD – Paula Ann Nelson Jackson, 82, passed away on June 17, 2026. Rosary & Visitation: 6 – 8 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Greenwood’s Live Oak Chapel, 3100 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Funeral Mass: 11 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 816 Wildwood Ln., Grapevine, Texas 76051. Interment: 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, in Greenwood Memorial Park. Paula was born on January 16, 1944, in Dallas, Texas, to T. Paul and Nellie Ann Nelson. She was fond of joking that she was born in Dallas only so she could be close to her mother, because she was a Fort Worth girl through and through. Paula attended St. Alice Catholic School and graduated from Our Lady of Victory High School in Fort Worth. She then attended Charity Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans, Louisiana. Although she worked briefly as a nurse, New Orleans forever held a special place in her heart. She loved the city’s culture, music, food, and spirit, and she carried her affection for it throughout her life. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Paula dedicated her life to caring for others. She served for many years as a Girl Scout leader and later worked for the Circle T Girl Scout Council, where she mentored and encouraged generations of girls. She believed deeply in helping others discover their strengths, develop confidence, and become active participants in their communities. Paula embraced life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and gratitude. She loved travel and explored much of the United States as well as destinations around the world. Whether camping beneath the stars, hiking through nature, or discovering a new corner of the world, she found beauty and wonder wherever she went. She loved to dance and rarely passed up an opportunity to celebrate life’s joyful moments. She was also a passionate supporter of the arts, especially theatre. She believed that stories have the power to connect people, foster empathy, and help us better understand one another. Her appreciation for the arts reflected her deep belief in the richness and dignity of every human experience. A gifted communicator, Paula served as president of a Toastmasters International chapter, where she encouraged others to find their voices and share their stories. She believed that public speaking was about more than delivering a speech-it was a path to self-expression, confidence, and human understanding. She inspired many people to step forward, speak from the heart, and recognize the value of their own experiences. Those who knew Paula will remember her generous spirit and open heart. She was often a second mother to her daughters’ friends, welcoming them into her home and her life. Her table was always full, and her door was always open. She believed in the peaceful coexistence and active engagement of people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, and she made everyone feel seen, heard, and included. She taught acceptance, compassion, and curiosity, not through speeches but through the example of how she lived her life. Her Catholic faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She loved being Catholic and found strength, purpose, community, and comfort in her faith. She sought to live the Gospel through hospitality, service, kindness, and a genuine concern for others. Paula is survived by her beloved husband, James (Jim) Jackson; her daughters, Jennifer Proctor and husband, Dan, Deidre Craft, Keira Lea McDonald, and Colleen DeMille and husband, Stan; stepchildren, Joe Jackson and wife, Shana, and Liz Donegan and husband, Daniel; grandchildren, Lane and Reed Proctor, Olivia, Arlo, and Aran Craft, and Tripp and Jackson DeMille; brother, Tim Nelson; nephew, Cody Nelson; as well as many wonderful step-grandchildren, cousins, and in-laws. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paula’s memory may be made to Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (gsnetx.org ), where she devoted many years of service helping young girls discover their strengths and leadership potential, or to the Sisters of Saint Mary of Namur (ssmnwestern.org ), the religious community of women who educated, nurtured, and inspired her throughout her youth. Their lifelong commitment to education, compassion, service, and social justice reflected values Paula carried with her throughout her life. GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME Greenwood Funeral Homes – Cremation 3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-336-0584

Related

View more details from the funeral home site.

Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.