Paula Jan Bendel

Paula Jan Nancarrow Bendel was born to James and Arnetha Nancarrow in Huntington, West Virginia on May 31st, 1955. She attended schools in Fairfax County Virginia, graduating from James Madison HS, and went on to earn Bachelors and Masters degrees at Abilene Christian University in Elementary and Special Education, Educational Diagnostics and Reading Specialist Certification. She began her career in Sweetwater Middle School and later moved careers to Abilene at Franklin Middle School and later Cooper High School as department chairman for Special Education. Paula was especially fond of her years at Franklin where she developed many close ties. She loved her work. However, health concerns forced her to retire. She was highly regarded by both students and peers as a compassionate and effective teacher. She loved her family, was service minded and loved being of service to others. Always mindful of friend's birthdays and important dates, she enjoyed making note with small gifts and mementos. She left a drawer full of intended gifts. Paula was a devoted mother and mate. Family was of extreme importance as well as the evening meal together. She loved being a homemaker and especially loved to bake, which she did for relaxation. Paula was a longtime member of the Highland Church of Christ where she served in her university days with the State Supported Living Center Puppet Ministry and later as Sunday school teacher, Mom's Meals prep, and special events volunteer. Paula will be remembered for her devotion to family, her intelligence, empathy, and wisdom. After a lengthy battle with early onset Alzheimer's disease, Paula passed peacefully on Friday, October 19, 2018, with her family by her side. She is survived by her husband, Mike, a son Christopher, his wife Whitney and grandsons Luke and Lawson, her daughter Katie Bendel, a sister Rhonda Pupella, her husband, Barry and nieces Tia and Faith who affectionately called her Aunt B. The family thanks the staff at Homestead Nursing and Rehab of Baird for outstanding care, compassion and willingness to help in our hour of need. We can't say enough about this special place that rescued us during the most brutal stage of the disease, and then consistently provided Paula with quality care. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00pm Sunday, October 21, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. Funeral services will be 10:00am Monday, October 22, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel. Paula was a regular contributor to the Abilene Educational Foundation. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to AEF in her memory and in assistance to the teaching profession.