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One of the Lord's most faithful servants, Paula Ruth Martin Barbera, went home to be with the Lord on March 10, 2018, at the Carpenter House surrounded by numerous close friends and her father. Paula was born December 11, 1955, in Baton Rouge, La. She was the middle child of William H. Martin & Joyce Messer Martin. From early childhood, God gave to Paula a servant's heart. She assisted her younger sister Carolyn, who was a special-needs child, to attend college and enjoy gainful employment. Paula graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Special Education from the University of New Orleans. During this time, she also served as a summer Missionary to Brazil with the Baptist Student Union of Southeastern. She returned to Brazil to serve the people for an additional year. She was greatly loved by the people she served. She began her educational career as a classroom teacher and eventually moved to the role of Director of Special Education for Ascension Parish. But she never forgot that her first love was always for the development of the children of the classroom. And so, for the last six months of her career, she transitioned back to the classroom where she enjoyed a closer, more intimate guidance of the children's development. After retirement, Paula became the primary caregiver for numerous neighbors in her High Point Subdivision, where she prepared and delivered meals, provided sitting duties as needed for those medically challenged and even mowed the neighbors grass from time to time. Many will miss her and she will be fondly remembered by all. Paula was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Messer Martin, and her younger sister, Carolyn Joyce Martin. She is survived by her father, William H. Martin, her brother Brent Martin and his wife Svetlana, a nephew, Gregory Martin, a stepdaughter, Collette Marie Barbera, and numerous cherished aunts, an uncle, and cousins. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Paula's life at the Zoar Baptist Church on Saturday March 17, 2018, with visitation from 9:30 am until the service begins at 11:00 am. Memorials in memory of Paula may be made to Scripture Memory Fellowship, P.O. Box 550232, Dallas, TX 75355 or to your favorite charity.
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My dear sweet Paula. You are the reason I went into Special Education. You are the reason I got to the interview that led to our mission service together in Brasil. We shared a dorm room, but more importantly, we shared a heart for God. I grew closer to Him and learned so much from you! I looked for you for years and I thank God that we talked that night a few weeks ago! I had so many plans for us to get together and catch up on all the details of our lives. You are the one person that brought purpose and meaning to my like. I followed in your footprints and never looked back. God, through you, made me. You inspired me; you loved me through Jesus. Thank you Paula Ruth. I love you! I bet you are singing and praising Jesus! I'll see you up there one day!
March 27, 2018
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. May God give you comfort and strength at this difficult time. 5:28,29
March 20, 2018
My condolences to the family. May God's loving kindness bring peace and comfort during this sad and difficult time. ~Psalms 29:11
March 20, 2018
Mr. Howard , We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Paula. We did not know she was sick. We love you , and are praying for God's comfort during these difficult days. Love , Lisa Card , Sheila Charbonnet , Doug Johns
Lisa Card
March 19, 2018
Howard, I just found out of Paula's death this morning. I'm committed to another funeral this morning. Will be getting in touch with you soon for a visit. Sending love and prayers.
Dorothy Ann
March 17, 2018
Paula the quiet, studious, helpful, religious, caring person to name but a few will be sadly missed but gladly remembered. You were always a special person to me. Your cousin Michael Messer
Michael Messer
March 17, 2018
RIP, Paula
LeBlanc Special Services Center
March 16, 2018
As a School Social Worker, I was privileged to work with Paula for many years in Ascension Parish. She was a very loving, thoughtful and dedicated person who was kind, considerate and respectful to everyone! Paula is now gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. May your precious memories ease the loss you feel and bring you comfort.
Paula, your job on earth is complete. Rest peacefully with your Savior!
Lisa Meyerer
March 16, 2018
Paula was such a giving soul and wanted to help others. I am glad to have counted her as my friend as well as a colleague. She's the only Supervisor of Special Education that could write an IEP while driving! She will be celebrating now with her family in heaven.
AMY TULLIER
March 16, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the Barbera family in the loss of your dear love one. Our prayers are as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day. - Psalms 145:18,19
Your neighbor..
March 16, 2018
I was so saddened to hear the news of Miss Paula's passing. I looked forward to seeing her on her walks around out neighborhood. She treated my kids with such kindness and like a member of her own family. She was king generous soul and her gracious spirit will dearly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Love and prayers, the Potter Family.
Jessica Potter
March 15, 2018
It is a rare individual who you encounter in your life that provides you with encouragement and strengthens your faith. In her personal life as well as her professional life she encouraged, served and loved. In Paula, it was easy to see her mother at work in her deeds and interactions with people. She renewed your faith and lifted you up strengthening you to work to be a better person.
Joyce Dake
March 15, 2018
Gentle, sweet, caring, thoughtful... the best of that which humanity has to aspire. You were all that and so much more. The mark you leave on our hearts is permanent and you are only a thought away. Make your journey away from eartly connections knowing you are surrounded by love when the journey is complete. Peace, dear cousin.
Natalie Messer
March 15, 2018
In the last year Paula periodically attended our Sunday School class at Cross Point Baptist. From the first visit she was a blessing to us with her gentle spirit, sense of humor and her love for the word. We offer our prayers for her family and friends. God has welcomed her home.
Linda Phillips
March 15, 2018
Her beautiful legacy will live on. We will keep you in thought and prayer.
N. Clarke
March 15, 2018
My heartfelt sympathies go out to you dear Martin and Barbera family and friends of during this difficult time. I invite you to read the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 as this can bring you comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
March 15, 2018
Rest In Peace, aunt Paula. You were an Amazing person and will always be remembered for your kindness and dedication to others.
Jennifer Dier
March 14, 2018
To the Family, I am sorry for your loss. May your hearts find comfort in fond memories and God's beautiful promises for the future. JOHN 6:40
Char
March 14, 2018
I have many fond memories of Paula and I in our high school years at school and church and many fun things we did together. It was always a delight when we would both be home visiting and see each other at Zoar church. She has indeed been someone very special!! Mr. Martin and Brent, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult loss.
With much sympathy,
Kathy Stubbs Trahan
Kathy Trahan
March 13, 2018
I will miss the joy that you always brought to a room. I guess your work here on Earth was finished and the Lord needed you in Heaven to bring some laughter and love. Until we meet again at those Pearly gates farwell my sweet cousin, Paula. Love you always.
Denise Goff
March 13, 2018
Paula was a kind and gentle soul who was a neighbor during childhood but became a friend several years ago. She brought meals for my mom and dad during his last months of life on this earth and was a dear friend to my mom during this time. She touched many with her kindness and will be missed.
Pam Dake
March 13, 2018
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