Paula Downs Rich, a woman of love and understanding, passed away on February 7th, 2025, in Columbia, Tennessee.

Born on June 9th, 1956, in Dearborn, Michigan, Paula will be lovingly remembered by a hefty family tree and a family consisting of both blood ties and bonds formed from the heart. Paula’s reach was as far as it was wide, and she was cherished deeply by many.

Her legacy is one of unyielding kindness and generosity. Even with little to spare, Paula continued to give and help others. Even when sick or in pain, she never faltered in caring for her loved ones more than she did for herself. She raised her two sons as a young widow. She loved her family. She was our hero, a great mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. 

A ‘wild-child’ growing up in the 70’s, she always said how everything changed for her when she had her children. Her family was her sole focus, and she worried over and took care of them until the end, sometimes to the exclusion of her own needs. She valued loyalty, honesty, and authenticity. She believed that everyone needs a harmless outlet for stress, and her outlet was Candy Crush and scrolling Facebook.

She believed in autonomy and dignity and a person’s right to choose the life they want. She struggled with the concept of tough love and was fiercely independent and private. She loved her entire family, despite their quirks and disfunction. She worried about them, rooted for them, protected them, resented them, forgave them, and always kept on loving them.

Paula leaves behind her children John Rich and James (Rebecca) Rich; her grandchildren Carter (John) Auvea, Connor Rich, Haley Rich, and Eevee Rich; her 5-month-old great-grandson Makoa Auvea; her nephews Jeff, Brayden, and Brandon (Sarahlynn) Downs; her sister-in-law Teri Downs; and a host of other beloved family members. Paula was a babysitter for many years and touched the hearts of all the children she watched.

Paula was preceded in death by her husband, John Wayne Rich, Sr; her father Leroy Downs; her mother Thressa Bills Downs; her brothers Leroy, James and Jeff Downs.

At her request, in her final wishes, there will be no memorial service or funeral by her immediate family. She wished for everyone to enjoy their own harmless outlet for stress as they remember and acknowledge her as a hardworking, loving mother, and a loyal, unselfish friend.

Adair Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.