Paula Bird Cloys

Paula Bird Cloys entered into rest on October 24, 2025 after complications from orthopedic surgery. She was 88 years old.

Paula was born on October 19, 1937 in Perry, Florida, the second child of Paul D. and Willa W. “Nita” Bird. She attended school in Perry and graduated from Taylor County High School.

She was an active member of First Baptist Church, and she met her future husband there when she was 16, and “Billy” Cloys was only 14 years old. They remained friends and dated through their college years, although Paula attended Florida State University, and Bill was a student at University of Florida. Their relationship survived the school rivalry and they married in 1960. Paula worked as a teacher to make ends meet while Bill was still earning his degree at the UofF. They welcomed their first child, Susan, while Bill was still in college. Sally followed 13 months later, then Sherri came along 2 years afterward. Bill got his first job after graduation at Buckeye Pulp Mill, which was purchased by Proctor & Gamble. P&G promoted the promising young engineer and sent the family to their new plant in Pennsylvania. Baby number four, Brad, was born there. Bill’s career with P&G took the family back to the South to Albany, GA, in the early 70’s.

As the kids got settled into school, Paula went to work as a preschool teacher in a private school, and later as a para professional in public elementary school. Paula continued teaching preschool when they were transferred to Slidell, LA, and finally retired when they were sent back to Florida. Their last transfer before Bill retired was to Marietta, GA, so they could be near the grown kids and grandchildren. Paula and Bill were always active in their local churches, singing in the choir and participating in service projects. They loved camping and hiking with friends, especially the Appalachian Trail in all of the states it crosses, and bird, flower, and tree identification. Fishing was a lifelong passion, both salt and fresh water. Paula and Bill spent time in retirement at their second home in Suwanee FL, where they could fish and enjoy their family, as long as their health allowed. Their last move was to Concord, NC, to live near their son, as their health was failing. Brad and his wife Karen provided them both excellent, compassionate care in their last days.

Paula is survived by her children; Susan (Brad) Seaman, Sally (Bill) Hedrick, Sherri Carroll, and Brad (Karen) Cloys. Her grandchildren; Molly Spier (Jimmy Sullivan), Lucy and Katya Hedrick, Tanner and Allie Carroll, and Catie and Kamryn Cloys. She was predeceased by her loving husband William R “Bill” Cloys in 2024, and her granddaughter Anna Caitlin Spier in 2025.

A celebration of life service will be held at Pitts Baptist Church in Concord January 9th, 2026 at 11am. Bill and Paula will be interred together in Perry, Florida at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Pitts Baptist Church Harvest Missions fund or Samaritan’s Purse.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Cloys family.