Paula Harrison

Paula Christine (Henderson) Harrison peacefully passed to glory on Friday, December 27, 2024 surrounded by her devoted husband, Ricky, and her loving family and friends.

Paula was born May 19, 1965 on the military base at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. She married the love of her life Ricky Duane Harrison in Lawton, Oklahoma on June 11, 1989. Paula's greatest joy was being his wife and a mother to her daughter Chloe Christine and her son Jake Bradshaw.

She graduated from Eisenhower High School in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1983 and then attended Oklahoma City University to pursue a degree in dance. She later graduated from Cameron University with a degree in psychology and was awarded the university's first ever minor in dance. She furthered her education and attended Oklahoma University to obtain her masters degree in human relations and went on to achieve her Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy credential.

Her career focused on helping others with her various jobs at Youth Services of Stephens County, Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Christian Family Counseling, etc. During her time at Halliburton as the Employee Assistance Professional, she lended an ear or a warm embrace in times of need. Her compassionate nature led her to travel near and far, turning a crisis into an opportunity to show each person their value.

Paula's love for dance was evident beyond her degree. She enjoyed the challenge of choreographing musical theatre shows for various high schools and community theatres and sharing the art of dance with students throughout the years. She took it to the next level when she volunteered her time on Friday afternoons to share her talent with the children of Gabriel's House program. She inspired them to believe each of them was a dancer.

Paula's joy was found in dancing, musical theatre, decorating her home as well as others', shopping for bargains, and relaxing on the beach (especially Siesta Key, Florida). Those who know Paula will agree that she is best known for her courageous spirit, her unwavering faith, her genuine kindness, and most of all her tireless optimism.

She is preceded in death by her mother Patricia Henderson, father Arlis (Tex) Henderson, and her brother Michael Henderson. She is survived by her husband Ricky, daughter Chloe, and son Jake, as well as other family members, including her sister Shirley and husband, Tom Barth; brother Richard Henderson; sister Gayle and husband, Clay Hicks; step mother Myrtle Henderson of Edmond, Oklahoma and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Paula's life will be held at Ray of Hope Church in Comanche, Oklahoma on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11 a.m. officiated by Pastor Mike McCord. Please come and celebrate this beautiful life.

To best honor Paula, the family would love donations made to Gabriel's House Foundation to help build their Forever Home (PO Box 145, Duncan OK 73534).