Paula Oakes

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Paula June (Wilton) Oakes, Neosho Missouri, passed from this life on Friday, July 22, 2022 after a long battle with liver disease. 

Paula was born on July 8, 1958 to the late Paul and Virginia Wilton. She graduated from Memorial High School in Joplin MO in 1976 and married the love of her life Darrel, on July 2, 1977. Together they had one son, Jacob.

Paula devoted her entire life to serving her Lord Jesus and to serving children. She had a special love for children with challenging behaviors and disabilities. 

Prior to retirement, Paula was employed by the Office of Head Start and traveled the country performing Head Start reviews. She was also a Certified Conscious Discipline Trainer. Both of these opportunities allowed her to share her love and care with children from all around the United States. 

Paula served in her church from the time she was young, until her health no longer allowed. She was a music minister, a Sunday school teacher, a youth director, a marriage mentor, a greeter, and much more. Paula was most recently a member of Uncommon Life Church in Joplin, MO. She had a positive impact on and showed the love of Jesus to all who knew her.

Paula graduated from Missouri Southern State University the same day as her son, Jacob, in 2005. Being a mother to her only “Miracle child” was her number one priority from the day he was born.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Virginia Wilton, three sisters, Mary Spruk, Patricia Robinson, and Linda Yeager, her parents-in-love Forrest and Mary Oakes, and her husband of 42 years, Darrel Oakes.

She is survived by her son, Jacob Oakes and wife Charity of Neosho, MO; her brother Richard Wilton and wife Brenda of Joplin, MO; One sister, Pamela Barr and husband Rick of Springfield, MO; her youngest brother Jimmy Wilton and wife Julie, of Joplin, MO; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She also is survived by her three grandchildren, Evangeline, John, and Boyd Oakes. They were her pride and joy.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Forest Park Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery near Stella, Mo. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the mortuary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.