Paulette Stripland

Paulette Stripland, 78 passed away on August 4, 2023, in Saint Simons Island, GA. She was born on March 19, 1945, in Gastonia, North Carolina to Robert Carlton and Lurene Denton. A graduate of the University of Georgia and University of North Georgia, Paulette was a devoted educator and a compassionate advocate for students with disabilities and limited resources. She dedicated her career to improving access to education and ensuring that every student had equal opportunities to succeed. Paulette began her journey in education as a classroom teacher at Wheeler High School and Forsyth Central High School. She later served as Director of Special Education for both Forsyth County Schools and Barrow County Schools. Her passion for providing equal educational opportunities led her to write and receive the first grant to bring computers into the classrooms of the Forsyth County School System, helping to bridge the gap between students with no access at home and their more advantaged peers. As an administrator, Paulette was known for her fairness and genuine concern for the well-being of every staff member, student and parents. As a mentor, she encouraged staff to continue their education, even providing tuition assistance to paraprofessionals seeking their teaching certificate.

Paulette’s love for learning extended beyond the classroom. She was an avid reader, finding solace and adventure through the written word. She cherished spending time with her family and friends, creating lasting memories.

Beyond her professional accomplishments and leadership, Paulette was a dedicated wife, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She shared a fulfilling life with her beloved husband, David, at Stripland Motor Company, their family business.

In retirement, Paulette continued to engage with others and make a positive impact on the lives of those she met. She moved to Saint Simons Island, where she embraced her new community with warmth and genuine interest. Paulette was a valued member of Marsh’s Edge where she enjoyed welcoming newcomers and spending time with friends.

Paulette is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Leslie & Stephen Maddox; stepdaughter, Lori Stripland; stepson and daughter-in-law, Joe and Bethany Stripland; grandchildren, Dr. Jess Watson and husband Ben; Madison Estes; Charles Abernathy; Camden Estes; Becca Abernathy; Caroline Abernathy; Destiny Maddox; Luke Shirley; Sam Knox; Emma Knox and Connor Stripland; great grandchildren, Will and Cali Watson, sisters, Jackie Hopkins; Myra Galloway and sister and brother-in-law Marion and Don Durden, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandra and Robert Ingram.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband David; son Richard Case; father and mother, Carlton and Lurene Denton; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Clinton and Ruth Carter and brother-in-law Allen Stripland.

We will celebrate her life and return to heaven in the chapel of Ingram Funereal Home, Cumming, Georgia, on September 24. Visitation will be from 12-1 with the service at 1.

Paulette Stripland will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to education, her kind-hearted nature and her ability to make everyone feel seen, valued and heard. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and profound impact on the lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers donations maybe made to Creative Enterprises, Cumming, Georgia, a training and employment community rehabilitation program for people with disabilities.