Paula Eileen Ratliff Stokes, 82 of Clay, Alabama passed away on July 25, 2026 leaving a life filled with friends, family and her faith in the Lord.

Paula lived a full life of family, friends and her faith in the Lord. She loved decorating her home on Holidays, special occasions and making her family feel loved. She loved to travel the world and experience new places, things and food. She was a loyal friend and held dear her family and friendships she made over the years.

Paula built a life around her family and friends. She loved celebrating every holiday and people’s birthday. She had a way of making you feel special. Her love of travel was always with friends and family. Stylish clothing, makeup and hair were mandatory in her life.

Paula is survived by her daughter, Debbi Gray; and her husband, David Gray; her daughter, Wendy Stokes; her four granddaughters, Bailey Cisco, Jordan Ballard, Lillian Howard, and Jewell Metheny; and her great-grandson, Jefferson “Sonny” Ballard. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry Edward Stokes; her parents, Lonzo “Jack” Ratliff and Irene Ratliff.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, Alabama, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Visitation will be from 9:00 -10:00 am, followed by the celebration service at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation of America. If you would like make your gift by mail, you may mail it to:

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor

New York, NY 10001

Or

Online At Alzfdn.org