In Memoriam: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Paula Barnes (1960 – 2021)

Our hearts are heavy from the loss of our Board President, Paula Barnes (1960 – 2021). She inspired us all with her leadership, compassion, and warmth. Paula lifted us all up. We will hold her spirit and energy close to our hearts as we mourn the loss of a leader, a mentor, and a friend.

Her obituary highlighted her incredibly beautiful singing voice, her leadership ability and career in law firm administration, being an avid Nashville Predators fan (and loving all sports), and her love of family as an auntie to many. We are incredibly honored that Paula’s

Paula was there to not only support our mission, but joined me in deeply caring for our staff. She would always ask, “what more should/could we do to support everyone?”

family has included Safe Haven in honoring Paula’s memory by indicating that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Safe Haven Family Shelter.

At Safe Haven’s recent Board meeting, we spent a few moments remembering Paula and her role at Safe Haven. Board President Ken Williamson said, “Paula was one of the most genuinely nice people I have ever met. She loved Safe Haven. She had great respect for everyone and was a great leader. I will miss her very much.”

Safe Haven CEO Joyce Lavery said, “Paula has been a part of the Safe Haven family for 14 years – first as a volunteer and donor, to a board member, to serving as board secretary and over the past year as board president. As the CEO, Paula provided me with guidance, insight, and friendship. She was a fierce advocate for Safe Haven. Paula was there to not only support our mission, but joined me in deeply caring for our staff. She would always ask, “what more should/could we do to support everyone?”. We are all better off because of her leadership. I will miss her smile, her goodwill, and her dedication.”

Please help us honor and remember Paula by making a memorial donation on our website safehaven.org.