Paula J. Gaylord

Paula Judith Gaylord, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the age of 79. She was surrounded by her loving family as she entered eternal rest.

Throughout her life, Paula exemplified love—love for God, love for family, love for friends, of which she had many, and love for teaching—and left behind a legacy defined by kindness, authenticity, wisdom, and service to others. Her warmth touched everyone who knew her, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives. 

Born on April 4, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio, Paula grew up with a passion for learning and a profound sense of community. She graduated from Bentley High School in Livonia, Michigan, in 1963, where she excelled academically and participated actively in many extracurriculars.  Paula pursued higher education with determination and excellence: earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan in 1967; a Master’s Degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1971; and ultimately achieving her Doctorate of Education from Michigan State University in 1977.

Paula’s professional life embodied her deep commitment to education and shaping future generations. She began her career as a professor of education at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio (1978–1981), inspiring countless aspiring teachers during her tenure. Later in life, Paula dedicated herself to raising her two younger sons before returning to work at Mayflower Congregational Church in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her service there spanned many years—initially beginning in 1990 and resuming from 1997 until her retirement in 2012—where she enriched the lives of children and families through her leadership in children's ministries and church programs.

A devout Christian throughout her life, Paula’s faith was the cornerstone of all she did. For over three decades—from 1992 until her passing—she was an active member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids.  Her dedication to her faith and community extended far beyond Sunday services; for 25 years (1995–2020), Paula volunteered weekly at Degage Ministries to serve meals to those experiencing homelessness. She also contributed to Project Charlie—a youth drug prevention program—and was an active member of P.E.O., serving twice as president of her local chapter between 1998–2000 and again from 2018–2020, among dozens of other organizations with which she was involved over the years.

Paula was a woman fully dedicated to family. She lovingly co-parented her first son, Martin Wade Stein, with her first husband, Terry Sheldon Stein. She fell in love with and married John Minor Gaylord with whom she shared three decades of happiness until his passing in 2010. Together, they were blessed with two sons: John Paul (JP) Gaylord and Robert Eugene (Rob) Gaylord. Her blended family of five brought her so much joy.  Not only did she love her own unconditionally, she then welcomed each of her three daughter in laws as if they were hers.  Her kindness and compassion have been felt by all. 

Paula found immense joy in her family. She cherished visits with her son JP and his family during their missionary work in France and treasured trips to Florida to spend time with her son Rob’s family. She moved in to live with Martin and his family in her final years.  These journeys were filled with love and connection as she embraced every opportunity to create lasting memories with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her three sons, Martin Stein (Rachel), Cooper (20), Noa Judith (18), Alex (16), Asher (15), Noah John (14), Wynn (13); JP Gaylord (Stephanie), Abby (15), John (13); and Rob Gaylord (Katie), Claire (3), Gavin (5 months) and her two brothers, Jay and Dan Schreiber.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church located at 3215 Four Mile Road NE Grand Rapids, MI.  A second visitation will take place on Saturday January 11, 2025, at 10:00am followed immediately by funeral services from 11-12:30pm.  All are invited to attend a luncheon reception at St. Luke’s that will follow the funeral services.

Flowers should be delivered to St. Luke’s on Friday from 9am to 2pm.  For those interested in making charitable donations in Paula’s name, you are welcome to contribute to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Degage Ministries of Grand Rapids,  Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids, and PEO International of Grand Rapids.

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