Paula Dee (STAMER) Thompson, 80 years, slipped away peacefully on the afternoon of Monday, 21 Dec 2020 in Goodyear, AZ from Multiple Myeloma and complications of the China virus. Paula was born on 21 Feb 1940 in Warrenton MO to August and Ann Cochran Stamer. She was a 4th generation resident of Wright City.
Paula spent her formative years attending Wright City Elementary & High Schools. She was christened and confirmed in the Evangelical Church there. Paula had a beautiful voice, trained at Lindenwood College, and sang in church, high school, and college choirs, at weddings, funerals, and installations. She excelled academically. As a senior in high school, she was chosen as the “Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow from Missouri – 1957”, and through the Betty Crocker Corporation, she, along with her Home Ec teacher – Mrs. Della M. Walker, traveled and participated in events in Washington DC; Williamsburg VA; and New York City.
Paula attended the University of Missouri and the University of Arizona, where she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and earned her Master’s degree in English as a Second Language. She married and made her home in Tucson AZ where she taught at the University of Arizona. Paula is survived by her devoted husband, Hani Al-Nakib – Avondale AZ, her sons, Hugh C. Thompson IV (Kelly) – Goodyear AZ, and Matthew M. Thompson (Heather) - Las Vegas NV, her daughter-in-law, Dr. Hun-Seng Chao/Thompson – Tucson AZ, and her sister, Mary Stamer Cuthbert (John) – Ojai CA.
Paula was preceded in death by her middle son, Seth C. Thompson, Esq., and her sisters, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Stamer Chandler – Tampa FL, who died earlier this year, and Sandra Stamer Grossi – Lafayette CA.
Paula was a nurturing grandmother and a loving aunt. She leaves behind 5 grandchildren, 4 nieces, 4 nephews, and a host of cousins. Paula enjoyed people and conversation. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining.
She was bright, witty, fun-loving, and talented. Paula will be missed by all who knew her. No service is planned.
