Paulette attended school in Monticello, eventually graduating from Hermitage High School in 1961. Upon graduation, she attended Arkansas A&M College, later to become the University of Arkansas at Monticello. At the time, her attendance was a high, but unusual achievement for a young married woman from rural South Arkansas. Paulette was a strong advocate for higher education, encouraging family, friends, and associates to pursue it for the true value it adds to one's life.
From humble South Arkansas roots, Paulette soared to an illustrious career in banking, starting as a teller and progressing through positions of loan officer, management, and culminating in a vice-presidency. This career took her to institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. After a successful banking career, she had a stellar career in real estate, earning numerous sales awards for her achievements as well as setting sales records in her office. She was a member of the American Business Women's Association and was named in the Personalities of the South, Who's Who.
Paulette was a staunch political advocate and became involved in causes she supported. In the 1960's she began wearing a POW bracelet, which she did not stop wearing until 1974 when her POW returned home. She began working on political campaigns in 1961 and tirelessly volunteered for numerous candidates on local, state, and national campaigns through to the election of George H.W. Bush. She was the vice president of the Harris County (Houston), TX Republican Women's Club and served as a Hostess for actors Dale Robertson and Chuck Norris at the 1988 Republican National Convention, as well as being invited to the 1988 Presidential Inauguration.
Paulette was also a passionate volunteer, in other ways, serving her community as a C.A.S.A (court-appointed special advocate) through ChildAdvocate.org, representing children in the court system. Her dedication to her work and her community left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
A cancer survivor, Paulette will be remembered by her family as being tough and generous.
Paulette was a devout Baptist and had accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, a faith she held throughout her life.
Paulette is survived by her daughter Stachia (Sutton) Thurmond and husband George Thurmond; of Santa Fe, TX; son Johnny Sutton and wife Michelle of Sheridan, AR; grandchildren Kimber Dillon and husband Evan, Christopher Anderson and wife Taylor, Kenadi Sutton Lamkin and husband David, all of San Antonio; TX and Connor Sutton of Sheridan, AR; great-grandsons Sean, William, and Sealy Anderson, and great-granddaughter Mattie Lou Rose Dillon. She is also survived by sister Joye Cooper of Paris, AR; brothers Raymon White and wife Mary Anne of Flower Mound, TX, and Nick White and wife Faith of Broken Arrow, OK. Additionally survived by numerous nieces and nephews of AR, AZ, CA, CO, LA, and TX.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Robert (Bob) White, Roger White, Larry White, and Ted White.
Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Monday, June 10, 2024, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home, 943 HWY 425. North, Monticello, AR. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Internment and graveside services will be at 16th Section Cemetery, Wilmar (Possum Valley), AR.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Sheridan Public Library, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society in Paulette's memory.
You can sign Paulette's guestbook here on her page.
Condolences(2)
Delores Langston
Greenwood, AR Sunday, June 9, 2024 My dear friend for so many years.Wilmot Green
Warren, AR Saturday, June 8, 2024 To all the family, may God take each one of you and comfort you as you go through this time of grief. I have a lot of good memories of Paulette and her family when they lived near me when we were young. My thoughts and prayers are with you.