Sara Sue Paris Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Loving Wife of Howard Paris. Loving Mother of David and Amy Plahuta, Caroline and Jon Mendoza, Howard and Heather Paris, Steve and Kelly Paris, David Paris and Mark and Heather Paris. Loving Grandmother of Natalie, Roxanne, Bryan, Desiree, Justin, Mike, Kate, Lila, Luke, and Jake. Sue Paris was born into a military family on 26 March 1946. Her father was Lieutenant Colonel Wesley Taylor and mother, Varina Taylor. She grew up traveling the world as an Army ‘brat’ with her brother, Brigadier General (Ret) Wesley Taylor, and sisters, Pat and Pam Taylor. Sue would proudly recount stories of living in Iran as a child and supporting her father’s service to our country, experiences that developed into a proud military heritage. She passed this passion for service on to her own children, David and Caroline, raising them to be strong, independent, and conscientious members of society. In October of 1983, Sue married Colonel (Ret) Howard Stephen Paris, introducing her children to the Army ‘brat’ heritage of which she was so proud. Meanwhile, Howard brought two loving sisters and four sons to Sue’s family. Sue quickly assimilated to the Army wife lifestyle, supporting Howard in his career and serving as the Officers’ Wives Club President. In this role, she helped Army families in need, organized many charitable fundraisers, and helped the relatives of those enlisted assimilate into the Army family as their loved ones deployed into conflict. To embrace this new, transient lifestyle, Sue left her career in Kansas City to move with Howard as he served the nation. Despite frequent moves, she continued her passion for education by working as a college professor, teaching in the North Carolina prison system and as a substitute teacher while also engaging with her charitable activities. In addition to teaching, Sue earned her title as a Master Gardener and proudly maintained her gardens around their quarters. She volunteered in the church and learned to play bells for services and special events. Furthermore, Sue became a skilled bridge player; she played the North Carolina bridge circuits and even became a member of the Red Hat Society. After Howard retired, Sue continued her volunteer work by serving as a tax consultant, helping many military families with the complex tax filing requisite of the roving military lifestyle. She had a passion for animals, and the house was always filled with rescue dogs. In retirement, Howard and Sue enjoyed many travels around the world, immersing themselves in diverse cultures such as Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, and Egypt, as well as fondly partaking in Rhine River Cruises in Germany. She loved her travels with Howard and would regale her family with stories and pictures of each trip. Sue was a proud and loving mother and wife. She found so much joy and love with Howard, exploring the world by his side. She was most proud of her children, David and Caroline, and she encouraged them to pursue their education and passions in life. When David married Amy, Sue proudly stood beside her son and later watched fondly as his family grew with the birth of Natalie. Sue happily watched and encouraged Natalie as she developed the same passion for literature she had and encouraged her career goals in that field. She encouraged her daughter, Caroline, to pursue her passions in the medical field and was ecstatic when her daughter chose to serve her nation as well…albeit it in the Air Force (a time-honored rivalry with the Army). She was never as proud as when she pinned Lieutenant Colonel clusters on her daughter’s shoulders and watched Howard promote Caroline. She happily accepted a second son in Jon with Caroline’s marriage. Sue will be missed by her family, but we hope she is enjoying a good game of bridge with old friends, glass of wine in hand, surrounded by her puppies while watching over her family. In lieu of flowers, Sue and her family would be honored to see donations go to her favorite charities: The American Heart Association, Greyhound Rescue, Save the Manatees, and Wounded Warriors. Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free! I followed the plan God laid for me. I saw His face, I heard His call, I took His hand and left it all... I could not stay another day, To love, to laugh, to work or play; Tasks left undone must stay that way. And if my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss... Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss. My life’s been full, I’ve savoured much: Good times, good friends, a loved-one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief— Don’t shorten yours with undue grief. Be not burdened with tears of sorrow, Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.

Sara Sue Paris

March 26, 1946 - December 20, 2020

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