Psalmist Paula Darlene Huggins

PAULA DARLENE HUGGINS
(Sunrise – August 22, 1968 Sunset – September 28, 2022)
Paula Huggins, the precious daughter of Beverly Huggins, grew up in Columbus, Ohio and was very actively involved in school, church, community and extracurricular activities beginning at an early age. As a youngster, she became a member of Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Jerome H. Ross; she was active in the Children’s Band, the Hattie Jackson Guild Girls, and the Young Disciples of the Stone (YDS). Paula was blessed to be surrounded by a village of many caring, positive people. She acknowledged that Lady Patricia Ross and Sis. Sandra Alexander and others were among her strong mentors. Paula loved music, acting, dancing, and other activities. As a student at Eastmoor High School, Paula was a member of Eastmoor’s Choir and Ensemble and acted in several dramatic plays. She was featured as a lead vocalist on Eastmoor’s recording of “Reach for a Brand New Day.” Paula was also active in community organizations including the Columbus Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America and participated on the national level during GMWA’s conventions.
Dr. Nathan Carter met Paula while she was still in high school and recruited her to attend Morgan State University in Baltimore upon high school graduation. At Morgan State, Paula majored in Music Education and Psychology; she was a member of the renowned Morgan State University Choir, the Morgan Singers and the Ira Aldridge Players. During those years, she also served as a Peer Counselor, a Residence Assistant and as a voice coach to many other students; she was on the Senior Class Executive Board, on the Dean’s List several times and was listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Paula was initiated into the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. One of her friends recently wrote that “Paula was the songbird of her line — and that she could always be found at the center of the Delta Homecoming Circle, leading hundreds of Sorors in song.”
After college, Paula became a dedicated teacher and was so proud of the accomplishments of her students. She taught initially at Mt. Zion Baptist Christian School and later at New Song Academy where she continued to teach until faced with recent health challenges. She was previously employed as an Adjunct Professor for the Baltimore City Community College. Paula had a real passion for teaching and like most good teachers, she did everything possible to prepare the students for success in life and to support the school’s mission. A few years ago, she wrote the school song for New Song Academy.
Paula united with First Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Baltimore under the leadership of Bishop Oscar Brown and became an active member in the Church’s Praise Team and Choir, a grammar teacher, and was involved in the Far Above Rubies ministry. She remained a member of First Mt. Olive and took on responsibility as the Worship Arts Director at GraceCity Church in Baltimore under the leadership of Pastor Bob Bingham and Pastor Corey Barnes. Whenever she returned home, she continued to be involved in the Music Ministry at Triedstone by participating in the J. H. Ross Pastoral Choirs and in other ways.
Paula really loved the Lord and did not seek fame or fortune but she welcomed the opportunities He provided for her to minister through song, word, and deed including touring with groups in Paris and Italy. Paula was blessed with many talents and used those gifts to encourage, promote and inspire others. In addition to those already listed, some other groups she sang and/or recorded with include (to name a few): Eric Waddell and the Abundant Life Singers, Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Praise and Worship Team & Choir, Darin Atwater and Baltimore’s Soulful Symphony, Jonathan Nelson and Purpose, the Carter Legacy Singers, Rev. Trini Massie, Bishop Guy Robinson and Light the World, Guy Robinson and Friends and the Voices of Tabernacle; Wayne Carter and the Northern Delaware Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. She also recorded lead vocals on several albums including: The Refreshing: “Keeper of My Days” written by Pastor David Carrington.
Paula’s loving, funny, witty, kind and jubilant personality always gave joy to our family and so many others and she strived to put the needs of others first. She is survived by her loving Mother, Beverly Huggins; Aunts – Levoyce Huggins of Ohio, Robin Nash and family of Georgia, Cynthia D. Cantrell of Florida; Godmother Jean Kendrick of Ohio; Uncles – Charles D. (Tawana) Huggins & family of Alabama, and Thomas Huggins of Georgia; Godfather James Kendrick of Ohio; God-uncle- Dr. K. Clay (Dorothy) Horton of Georgia; Godson Liam Brown and his parents, Pastor Joel and Latifahia Brown of Virginia); God-Sister Kaylah Price of Ohio; many special cousins and their families including Deborah (Andre) Hughley of Ohio, Charese Harper of Ohio, Dr. Sherri Garrett of Georgia, Pastor Lloyd (Malinda) Garrett of Maryland, Andre (Deetra) Whatley of Maryland, Eva Garrett Wood (Eugene Wood) of Illinois, Kathleen (Neil) Cowart of Georgia; Jean Pierre Shackelford of Ohio, Charles (Michelle) Shackelford of Australia, Elaine Maria Shackelford of Ohio, Debra (Paul) Smith of Ohio; John Ziegler of Ohio; Special Nephew William (Trey) Hayes; a host of other cousins from the Careathers-Huggins-Whatley-White Families, and Rhoda (Shurron) Green of Georgia, along with the Shackelford-Rice-Stovall families; many “Besties” including Lisa (Carl) Hayes of Ohio; and the following from Maryland: Regina Gale Malloy, Shankia Mardenborough, Brandi Harrell, Audra Hill, LaKeeta Campbell, Stacy Atwater Jones, and Marlene Johnson; Numerous extended family members include Pastor David Carrington, and the families of: Bishop Jerome H. and Lady Patricia Ross, Anna and Isaac Harper , Sandra and Charles Alexander, Florine and Crystal Solomon, Faye Goins, Bishop Oscar and Lady Jacqueline Brown, Pastor Bob and Lady Bingham, Pastor Corey and Lady Rashema Barnes, the GraceCity leadership team; the students & staff at New Song Academy, and numerous other people.
Paula’s love for the Lord and for people shaped her life and impacted her ability to reach many. As she often said during her very short illness, “IT SHALL BE WELL” and it is so because she now safely abides in the loving arms of Jesus, welcomed by her loving Grandmother Katie and a great host of other loved ones that have gone on before.

Baltimore Maryland Service,

Public Viewing at 3pm; Delta Sigma Theta Omega Omega Service at 430pm and
Musical Tribute 5:00pm Sunday, October 9, 2022 at First Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Baltimore Maryland.

Additional Visitation 10:30am and Funeral Service 11:00am Tuesday October 11, 2022 at First Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Baltimore

Columbus Ohio Service,

Visitation 5pm and Home Going Service 6pm Sunday October 16, 2022 at Triedstone Baptist Church, Columbus

Interment
Cedartown, GA