Paula Dell Cary

Paula Dell Buford Cary "Meme", born October 23, 1932, entered into the presence of the Lord on Thursday, November 30, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 91. She was born in Roswell, New Mexico to the late James and Delena Buford. 

Paula Dell moved to Laredo at age 4 and graduated from Martin High School in 1950. It was in that same year that she was presented by the Society of Martha Washington in 1950. Paula was married to her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Howard Cary Jr., for 45 years until his passing in 1995. Paula worked full-time until she was 87, and in her free time, she was a talented artist, painting often, as well as a gemstone jewelry maker. She also was a devout Presbyterian. Paula was an active member and attended First Presbyterian Church of Laredo until its closing a few years ago. She was blessed with a loving family who will miss her dearly.  

She is preceded in death by her husband: Howard Cary Jr.; her daughter: Mary Elizabeth Souza; granddaughters: Cary Alyssa and Kali Marissa Reynolds: her parents, James and Delena Buford; sister: Jeanette Frank; brother; James Buford, Jr.; sons-in-law: Miles Reynolds, Larry Rea, and Joe Souza. 

She is survived by her daughters, Laura Cary Rea (Reuben), and Louise Moreno; grandchildren: Larry Rea (Wendy), Adam Rea (Rachel), and Kasi Hennigan (Joseph); great-grandchildren: Kristopher Jordan (Cassidee), Jacob Taylor, and Emma Dell Rea; great-great-grandchildren: Haze Jordan, and Jackson Taylor, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews. 

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.  A private service honoring Paula Dell's life was held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Masonic Section of the Laredo City Cemetery, where she now lays to rest with her beloved Howard.

Serving as pallbearers were: Larry Rea, Adam Rea, Joseph Hennigan, Reuben Njaa, Jack Claflin, and Mario Gonzalez.

If you wish to honor her memory, you may make a heartfelt donation to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funerals & Cremations; 310 W. Hillside Rd; Laredo, TX 78041; 956.724.6060