of Roland, AR
January 15, 1948 - April 7, 2025
Paula Jane Jackson Welch
Paula Jane Jackson Welch was born January 15, 1948, in Frederick, Okla., to Wayne and Alice (Martin) Jackson. In 1949, at the age of one, she moved to Carnegie, Okla., where she grew up and always called home. One of Paula's favorite proverbs was, ''Oklahoma born, Oklahoma bred & when I die, I'll be Oklahoma dead.''
In her teenage years, she married Fred Copus and had her first daughter, Laurie Ann. After moving to Dallas, Texas, she later remarried Les Herring and had her second daughter, Amy Leigh. After living in Oklahoma City for a few years, they moved to Little Rock, Ark., where she lived for the rest of her life. While in Little Rock, she met the love of her life. On June 15, 1990, she married Michael ''Mike'' Welch and gained another daughter, Tiffany Michelle.
Paula's career was in the insurance business. She worked as a claims adjuster, but it was her work as an arson investigator that made her well-known in the industry. That - was a highlight of Paula's career.
After retirement, she and Mike enjoyed the mountain view at their dream house in Roland, Ark. Paula's house was open to all, including the 'Preston Gang.' It was a vacation home for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved cooking for, and she was an outstanding cook. Her home was host to family reunions, cookouts, barbecues or if you just wanted to drop by and say, ''Hi.'' Paula loved being a good host, and it was only one feature of her bubbly, gleeful and creative personality.
Paula was as witty as she was hilarious. Her one-liners could rival some of the best stand-up comedians. But none were better than, ''Hey, Mike!'' And ''Larry, get out of the kitchen!'' She had an inside joke with everyone she loved and knew how to brighten their day.
She didn't have moves like Jagger or a voice like Madonna, but she was a rockstar in her own right. She loved her rock and roll music and going to concerts. She was an unofficially official certified jeweler. Ask anyone who ever got a gift from Paula, she loved her jewelry.
Paula is survived by her husband, Mike, and her children Laurie Baribeau, Amy Eden, and Charlie and Tiffany Vaughan. Her grandchildren, Ellie and Rowdy Baribeau, Britani and Rami Dajani, Coty and Ashley Dwyer, and Karrsyn Vaughan.
Her great-grandchildren, J.R., Laliah, Mia and Nora. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Ann Dwyer, brother, Richard M. Jackson, and a host of nieces and nephews.
And while they were not family by blood, the 'Preston Gang' were the sons she never had: Chuck, Drew, Greg, Jamie, John, Rob, Sammy, Sean, Sonny and Wally.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be Paula's name to Subiaco Academy, c/o Subiaco Academy Development Dept, 405 N Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, AR 72865 or https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=L5C24PGAKCAZL&source=url
Composed by: Rowdy Baribeau, grandson
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12 Condolence(s)
Margaret and Walt Meier
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Dear Rick and Family,
We are truly sorry for the loss of your amazing sister, mother, wife, grandmother etc. Although we did not ever meet her, she sounds like the most delightful, charming, welcoming, funny and generous person - a gift to everyone who knew her. Please accept our prayers and deepest sympathy and know that God is with you through it all.
Lorna Roddy
Sunday, April 13, 2025
My heart is breaking for Laurie and Amy and your precious families. Peace be with you Mike I never had the privilege of meeting you but know how you and Paula loved each other.
Sending all my prayers and love and pray the good lord will wrap his loving arms around each of you and give you the peace and comfort that only he can give.
Paula was a wonderful sister in law that I loved and admired. Rest in peace my dear sweet Paula. You gave me so many sweet memories. Love you till we met again.
Rafid and Inas Filat
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Our condolences to you and your family. Sending your family love and prayers. May she rest in peace.
Dawn Herring
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Amy, Laurie, and family,
I’m so very sorry that you are having to go through this. I am praying for y’all!
Some of my favorite childhood memories were when Ricky and I got to ride the train with Granny to visit your family in Little Rock. We had such a wonderful time! Aunt Paula’s home (of course y’all’s, also) was very warm, welcoming, and fun - so much so that I didn’t want to leave, even though I could not stand to be away from my own home! Thankfully, on one trip I got to stay a few extra days but still cried when I left.
I remember seeing her drink from the pickle jar (haha) and I had never seen that before, but I knew I wanted to do that! I’m still drinking from my own pickle jars to this day!!
I pray for comfort and peace in this difficult time.
Dawn Herring
Dawn Herring
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Amy, Laurie, and family,
I’m so very sorry that you are having to go through this. I am praying for y’all!
Some of my favorite childhood memories were when Ricky and I got to ride the train with Granny to visit your family in Little Rock. We had such a wonderful time! Aunt Paula’s home (of course y’all’s, also) was very warm, welcoming, and fun - so much so that I didn’t want to leave, even though I could not stand to be away from my own home! Thankfully, on one trip I got to stay a few extra days but still cried when I left.
I remember seeing her drink from the pickle jar (haha) and I had never seen that before, but I knew I wanted to do that! I’m still drinking from my own pickle jars to this day!!
I pray for comfort and peace in this difficult time.
Dawn Herring
Rick Herring
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Aunt Paula was a fun aunt when we were growing up and we loved staying with her and playing with our beloved cousins Amy and Laurie. She was the first person I ever saw come in from work, go straight to the fridge and take a swig of dill pickle juice!! Precious and fun memories!
Freda Dyer
Friday, April 11, 2025
I remember Paula as a little sister to Carol Ann and Janet and always wanting to play.
Larry and Dianne Holsted
Friday, April 11, 2025
Rest in peace sweet lady. We often speak of the visit we had a few years ago with you and Mike and the kids but unfortunately didn’t get around to returning. Our prayers are with the family for your loss.
Ladonna Kinder Butler
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Paula and I went to school together..I have loved her since the day I met her!! We have kept in touch for all these years...I will always have a special place in my heart for Paula. Sending my deepest sympathy to Mike and all her remaining family
Glenda Perry
Thursday, April 10, 2025
My heart is broken as I loved Paula like a sister for 55 years. We lived next door for many years but never lost contact as Paula, Mike and the girls were family not just friends. I don’t have enough words to express my heart felt sympathy to Mike and the girls. Paula will be missed but never forgotten. I know you are finally pain free and standing straight in Gods arms. My love to all Aunt Glenda
MICHAEL FLEHARTY
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Paula was a sweet lady and a dear friend. Donna and I will miss her. We are praying for Mike and all the family. She was especially kind when we lost Sean and we will never forget her.
Leigh Compton
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
My heart felt sympathies to Mike and the family. She will be missed by many.