Obituary of Paula Stoney Perdue

On June 24, 2023, Paula Stoney Perdue left behind a more beautiful world than the one she entered on May 10, 1947 in Columbus, Mississippi. She grew up an Air Force child, living in Goose Bay, Canada; Lincoln, Nebraska and many places in between before enrolling at the University of Missouri where she met her husband and lifelong partner, Bob Perdue. Bob and Paula married in 1968 and following Bob's military service and the birth of their daughter, they returned to Mizzou where they enjoyed great friends in married student housing and completed various degrees.

They moved to Pensacola, Florida, allowing Paula to finally establish roots in a community, one she grew to love. Bob and Paula then had a son and focused on raising their children, the time she would later call the happiest of her life. Paula was a true Renaissance woman...she became a successful small business owner, operating Perdue's Prints and Maps for more than twenty-five years. She traveled alone to antique shows across the Southeast and independently handled all aspects of her business.

She was an unparalleled creative force, an accomplished artist in many media and got endless enjoyment from days spent with her artist friends, sometimes painting, sometimes sculpting and sometimes trying something new. The small group projects gave her special joy, as did their artist getaways to the family farm, which came to be known as the Art Farm. She was especially proud of her art shows. She played the piano, sang and as an older adult gave the violin a try. Paula was a writer and poet, sculptor and painter, always seeing the beauty in all things. When she and Bob lost their home to Hurricane Ivan, she created many pieces of art with the home's remnants. She leaves behind many pieces of artwork, creative writing and ideas which will eternally beautify the spaces they hold.

Paula had an adventurous spirit and she enjoyed years of scuba diving trips with Bob; shared a fabulous dive to the Cayman wreck with Bryan and took many epic trips with Alison. Over the years, she and Sue ran in many 5k and 10k races and later in life, Paula became a passionate birder, kayaker and nature hiker. Her adventures included scuba diving in St. Croix, birding in Panama, white water rafting in Alaska and ballooning in the Serengeti. Still, she got pleasure and inspiration from visiting art museums, galleries and concerts on many trips. Paula never knew a moment of boredom, everyday full of new projects.

Paula was predeceased by her parents, Maj. Gen. Paul R. Stoney and Helen B. Stoney and beloved Aunt Virginia. She is survived by her husband Bob, children Alison (Buddy) and Bryan (Stacy), sister Helen (Ronnie), nephews Paul and John and niece Melanie.

Bob, Alison and Bryan know they could not have been any luckier than to have had such a creative, intelligent, compassionate and optimistic wife and mother. The family suggests that if inclined, contributions be made to IMPACT 100 IMPACT 100, WUWF or, in honor of Paula, set aside some time to paint a picture, write a story, plan a trip or learn something new. She would love that.

Appreciation to Emerald Coast Hospice and Dr. Michael Conrad for their care and a special thank you to Sue Brouillette and Maria Hoch for providing unyielding fellowship. The family will celebrate Paula at a later date.

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