Paula Gail Phelps

Paula Gail Phelps, a mother and wife, who beat to her own drum passed from this life on December 26, 2022, at the age of 63.

Paula was born on July 29, 1959, in Tulsa, Oklahoma the daughter of William Raymond and Maxine Grace (Bilby) Winklepleck. Paula grew up and attended school in Sand Springs and West Tulsa. Following her education Paula was united in marriage to James Clinton Effinger and the couple established their home in Tulsa. Paula later met Donald Phelps, Jr and they were united in marriage on June 20, 2012, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. They initially established their home in Tulsa and in 2014 they moved to Terlton, Oklahoma where they have continued to reside.

Paula spent the majority of her life as a homemaker although for several years she did serve as a live-in nanny that helped support another family and helped to raise their children. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and particularly enjoyed eating good food at family gatherings and cookouts. She loved working with arts and crafts, She also enjoyed listening to music and was over joyed at the thought of being a grandmother. She was very determined and strong willed and did her best to live life as free as possible and on her terms. She placed a special importance around family and was frequently the first to stay the night at the hospital with a loved one or help nurse them back to health during their recovery.

Survivors are her husband Don of the home, one son Larry Effinger and his wife Sherrie of Columbia, Missouri; step children Dawn Harrell and her husband Brian of Catoosa, Oklahoma, Peggy Ryan of Collinsville, Oklahoma, Cheryl Leach of Owasso, Oklahoma, Wendy Maxey and her husband David of Collinsville, Oklahoma, Devon Phelps of Australia; two sisters Diana McNatt and her husband Lynn of Mannford, Oklahoma, Donna Mathis of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sixteen grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents Paula was preceded in death by her sister Nancy Kay Culver, father Paul Leon Jackson, and brother Larry Wayne Vernon.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 pm, Friday, December 30, 2022, at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Manuel Parker officiating services. Chapman-Black Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for Paula at www.chapman-black.com.

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