Paula Jean England (Davis)

April 5, 1953 – December 8, 2025

Paula Jean England (Davis), 72, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on December 8, 2025. Born on April 5,1953, Paula personified what it meant to be "A Pillar of Strength." Her devotion and love for family will forever be her legacy. Paula attended Lee High School and later chose to make her career there. While working at the school she loved, she was able to continue raising her three children. Not only taking on that task, she became the quintessential mother and mentor to all their friends as well. That love and admiration continued until her last breath. She leaves behind her loving husband, Denny England and her children: Robert England (Lisa), Nicholas England (Morgan), and her favorite daughter, Charity Plaxton (Matt Sharp). She was a proud grandmother to Joe Hills, Lexi Brooks, and Jaden Plaxton, and a loving great-grandmother to Harper, Joseph, and Isabella. Paula is also survived by her sisters Linda and Sandy. She was preceded in death by her siblings Dan and Tina.

Paula was a strong woman who gave everything she had to everyone else. She would always say, "I'll give you a hand up, but not a hand out," and she wanted nothing in return. Her joy came from seeing the people she loved - cared for, happy and supported.  Her fulfillment came from making life a little easier for someone else, and she lived that way every single day. A Celebration of Paula's Life will be held on December 19th from 12:00–2:00 p.m. at Eighth Reformed Church, 841 Burton Street, Wyoming, MI 49509. In keeping with Paula's wishes, this will not be a formal funeral. Instead, it will be a simple, casual time of gathering—an opportunity to share memories, honor the selfless woman she was, and say goodbye in the way she would have wanted.

Flowers are not necessary. Those who feel moved may make a donation in her memory to Love INC, an organization aligned with her spirit of helping others. She will be profoundly missed and forever loved by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.