Sue Elaine Paul

On 7/10/2023 Sue Paul decided to avoid another Texas summer and passed away peacefully in her sleep at home, as she wished. Sue Elaine Watson was born on 3/16/1936 in the oilfield town of Greggton, TX to John and Beatrice Watson. At the age of 7 Sue and her family settled in Jefferson, TX where she attended school and was a lifeguard at the local pool until leaving home to attend Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA in 1954.

She became Sue Colton in December 1956, followed by the birth of her children Theresa, Paul and Stephen. Sue became a single parent, supporting her 3 children working as a secretary. It was then she met and fell in love with Roy Price. They married in her parent’s Jefferson home in November 1962 before settling in Irving, TX. After a brief residence in Las Vegas NV, where her daughter Suzette was born, Sue and Roy returned the family to Irving, TX in 1965, where they later welcomed their daughter, Cherie. Roy traveled frequently for his job. On the occasions when a sitter could be hired, he included Sue in his travels. She visited New York, San Francisco, Mexico City and Reno, NV, developing a lifelong love of travel. They shared 12 happy years in Irving, hosting bridge parties, sharing amazing meals, and laughing with friends and family. When Roy was diagnosed with a terminal illness in 1972, Sue cared for him at home, with the support of dear friends and members of the Irving Free Ladies Quilting and Drinking Society, until his death in November 1974.

Sue had developed a passion for caregiving, and knew she was going to become a nurse after taking care of Roy. She was promptly accepted at Mountain View College, obtaining her associate degree in nursing in 1976. By applying to, and being granted, numerous scholarships, she then attended the BSN program at Texas Women’s University, graduating in 1978. Sue began working at Irving Community Hospital, in the same ICU that cared for her husband, before her graduation. Sue was passionate about her profession and cared for the people of Irving as an ICU nurse for over 20 years. She thrived as a nurse, working the 11 p.m. - 7 a.m. shift to balance caring for her 5 children as a single parent. As her professional career flourished, she was able to further her travels, visiting the Bahamas and Hawaii, and traveled with her children to historical sites and beautiful places across the US. During her nursing career Sue obtained multiple specialty certifications and saw Irving Community Hospital grow into a large medical campus providing all the healthcare needs for her community, Baylor Medical Center of Irving. Sue assisted in developing the Irving Healthcare coronary bypass team, provided leadership for the ICU, mentored many new nurses and caregivers and in 1998 was honored as a Great 100 Nurse of Texas.

In 1981, Sue found love and partnership again after connecting with a former classmate from Northwestern State University, Gerald Paul, at a social event. Sue and Gerald were married June 1982 in the chapel at Irving Hospital. Gerald cherished Sue, lavishing her with attention and support and they shared many interests. Together they restored Roy’s 1957 Thunderbird and joined the Metroplex Early Birds club, participating in parades and events in the DFW area. Sue and Gerald traveled the world together and it was hard to tell which they enjoyed most, the flashy cruises and international destinations or retelling hilarious stories from their adventures. Sue began welcoming her 13 grandchildren with Gerald by her side. They built Sue’s dream home and relocated to Coppell, TX in 1992, making many new friends in the Wynnpage subdivision. Sue was a natural fit for this growing community, joining the Dinner Club and serving as President of the Wynnpage Homeowners Association. Over the years they hosted frequent family gatherings that progressed into Summer Fun Days, taking their large extended families to a weeklong course of theme parks, events, pool parties, meals and spending time together.

After Gerald’s untimely passing in March 2008, Sue remained active in her community and could be seen walking a 4-mile route most mornings. However, she developed progressive dementia later in her life, eventually requiring live-in care by her children and grandchildren, which allowed her to remain in her beloved home. Books were her constant companion and brought her comfort throughout her life.

Sue is survived by 3 siblings: sister Jonnie Peck and brothers John and Tommy Watson; 5 children: Theresa Carpenter, Paul Colton (Trudy), Stephen Colton, Suzette Price Doherty and Cherie Price; 13 grandchildren: Laurette, Jory, Chazleigh, Cambria, Anthony, Michael, Chauncey, Ethan, Samantha, Caylan, Cody, Cassia, and Carsyn; and 9 great grandchildren. In addition to Roy and Gerald, she is preceded in death by her parents, John and Beatrice Watson, her brother Don Watson, and a nephew, Robert Peck.

Please join us for a celebration of Sue’s amazing life on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the Coppell Community and Recreation Center (The CORE) 234 Parkway Blvd, Coppell, TX 75019. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite library or to Dementia Society of America in Sue’s memory.

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