Paula Michael

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m., Monday, January 7, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 8, at St. Thomas Catholic Church. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur.Memorials may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or to the American Cancer Society.Paula was born in Decatur, January 6, 1953, the daughter of Robert and Jean Delaney. She graduated from St. Teresa High School in 1971, and Millikin University in 1975. After graduation Paula moved to Springfield where she worked for the city in the Accounts and Finances office. She moved back to Decatur in 1980 and worked several years at A.E. Staley Company before going to the Grigoleit Co. where she worked for 24 years.Paula married Cloyce E. Michael, Jr., November 21, 1980. She had two sons, Christopher and Gregory. Her husband and sons were the light of her life. She referred to her sons as her little buddies and they did everything together.Paula loved collecting old dolls and dancing. She was a member of the Praireland Dance Club and volunteer dance teacher. She also was a member of the UCWDC and enjoyed dancing in the competitions with her husband.Paula is survived by her husband Cloyce; sons Christopher Michael and wife Jessica and Gregory Michael, all of Decatur, IL; daughters Lori Thornton of Chandler, AZ and Kristel White and husband Jim of Hillsboro, IL; 4 grandchildren; sister Linda Delaney-Williams (Mike) of Decatur; brothers Mike (Mary) of Taylorville; Larry (Laurel) of Aurora; Terry (Carmen) of Fargo, ND; and Kelly (Elena) Delaney of Decatur; father Robert J. Delaney of Decatur; and many much-loved nieces and nephews.Paula was preceded in death by her mother and one niece.Paula will be missed by her many loving family and friends. Paula, we hope you dance in Heaven. "
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