Paula Bertha Barroso Jones

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West

Paula Bertha Barroso Jones was born in Havana, Cuba on January 26th, 1963 and passed away on April 29th, 2023 after a long battle with Diabetes.

Paula came to America in 1970 when she was only 7 years old with her parents and younger sister. She started her second-grade year attending Columbus City Schools with no knowledge of the English language. Along with her family they experienced many adventures in the first few years adapting to the cold, American culture and the language. The family would settle on the Eastside of Columbus where Paula would become a lifelong resident never going too far from her roots on S. Weyant Ave.

In high school she was an excellent student who played softball and was a member of Eastmoor High School’s marching band. By this time her big sister status was elevated when her baby sister was born who she helped to name. After high school she joined the US Army and was stationed in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. She was one of few women in her recruiting class and only one of two women of color. She was an excellent shooter and soldier. Her time in the Army would not last long because a higher calling came in its place—LOVE.

Paula and her husband Ray welcomed their son Spencer named after Hall of Fame Basketball Player Spencer Haywood a short time after and a move back to Columbus later they welcomed their daughter Lauren named after model and actress Lauren Bacall.

Paula would go on to have a long career with the State of Ohio and as a working mom taking night classes earned her bachelors degree from Franklin University.

Paula loved the beach, traveling, gardening, the color blue and music! She loved old school R&B, soul, jazz, salsa, merengue, and anything Prince. Paula perfected “Auntie” style with her hats  and heels and large jewelry collection. She loved to dance while cleaning the house or at the famous parties and dinners she hosted at her home. Paula loved to cook, she was famous for her chicken and dumplings, black beans, and decadent desserts that she would create for family dinners.

The greatest loves of her life were her children, grandchildren, godson and her many nieces and nephews. She adored being a “Mimi” and a “Tia Mimi”. Her smile and laugh were infectious, she spoke her mind and could both cut or heal you with her words. She was a force and our family will miss her dearly.

Paula is survived by her mother Maida, sister Lourdes (Ernesto), daughter Lauren (Pierre), grandchildren Deréon, Maya, Mateo and Londyn, nephews Wade and Nathan, nieces Sara, Eva and Valentina, Great nieces Leilani and Amia and Great Nephews Zeke, Antonio, Carter and Mason. She is proceeded in death by her father Cirilo, sister Muchy (or Maria) and beloved son Spencer who also left us too soon.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 3rd from 5-8pm. Program 6:30-7:00 pm at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, 403 E Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday,11:00am May 4th at Holy Name Church, 154 E Patterson Ave, Columbus, OH 43202.

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