Mary Jean Paul Slack

Mary Jean Paul Slack, lovingly known as 'Mamie' by her grandchildren, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2022, surrounded by her adoring family.  She was 76 years old.  She was born in Minden on August 10, 1946 to William Henry Paul, Jr. and Allie Mae Murphey Paul.  She was the fourth of five children. She graduated with the Sibley High School Class of 1964.

Mary Jean was an avid dog lover (the bigger the better), having owned Great Danes, German Shepherds, and most recently Rottweilers.  She enjoyed planning and throwing parties.  She always had creative ideas for costumes, characters, hair, and makeup and loved making people laugh. She was excited to take part in dolling up her daughter, grandchildren, and nieces for special events. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she looked forward to surprising/spoiling her grandkids.

Mary Jean took pride in always looking her best, and put on her makeup even if she didn’t feel well.  She fiercely loved her family and was protective of her relatives and friends.  She is remembered for her excellent cooking, playful sense of humor, and very particular taste in wine, movies and music.  Her wisdom, wit and strong faith were comforting to all who knew her.

Mary Jean was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jerry Wayne ‘Bubba’ Paul and Bobby Ray Paul; sister, JoAnn Paul Smith; and numerous fur babies she mothered over the years.  She is survived by her brother, William David ‘Bill’ Paul and wife, Peggy; her partner, James Slack; daughter, Amy Bryant and husband, Will; grandchildren, Morgan Savannah Talton and Ella Magnolia Bryant; great-grandchildren, Kaiden and Hudson; her adoring four-legged companion, Bubba; and nieces and nephews, Michelle Paul, Steven Paul (Kelly), Gena Paul, Patty Paul Smith (Andrew), Jo Ellen Paul, Rose Smith Shaw (Ronnie), Gary Smith, and Mark Smith.  

Her family is especially thankful to the Willis-Knighton Home Health nurses (in particular Tonya, Sarah, and Chick) and the second-floor lab team at the Willis-Knighton Cancer Center for their loving care and attention towards Mary Jean during her illness.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service celebrating her life on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 10:00 am at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway Street, Minden, LA 71055 with Father Wayne Carter officiating. A visitation/reception will follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her memory to the Webster Humane Association, Inc., PO Box 218, Minden, LA 71058 or the American Lung Association.