Paula Gumaer

Paula Mauldin Gumaer, 76, passed away September 9, 2022 following a two-decade journey with cancer.

Paula had an insatiable desire to grow, to learn, and to serve. Born in Monte Vista, Colorado in 1945, then from there to Maryland and Georgia she earned multiple undergraduate and graduate academic degrees, culminating in a PhD in psychology at the age of 70. Her work ethic manifested itself through a 35-year career as an elementary and middle school teacher and tutor.

After retiring from teaching, Paula launched a new career in psychological counseling, opening Renovo Counseling in Blue Ridge in 2012. There she has served hundreds of people seeking guidance toward a better life. In Paula’s final months cancer tried to block the way, yet she pressed on, counseling patients via phone, apologizing for not providing them the full care she wished to give.

As great as those works certainly were, what made Paula so special was her total faith in God, exemplified by devotion and generosity towards others. To her, that was just the way it was supposed to be. At Blue Ridge First Baptist Church she served in many ways, leading youth bible studies, singing in the choir, and providing community outreach programs to those in need. She will be missed by so many that she touched.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents Hendricks and Vivian Leonard and sister, Sanlyn Rutledge.

She is survived in death by siblings, Dixie Blizard (Tom) and Brad Leonard (Joni); her husband, Bob Gumaer; her three sons, Greg Mauldin (Katie), Jeff Mauldin (Martina), and Brad Mauldin (Gillian); and eight grandchildren, Brooks, Drew, Hill, Gabby, Carly, Emery, Tait and Davis). We are so thankful for Paula’s life. Her generosity, infectious laugh, playful spirit, curiosity and kindness were all a tremendous blessing to us and were rooted in her love of Jesus. To honor and continue her legacy we encourage you to give in her memory to the Paula Mauldin Gumaer Fund at LifeGate Counseling Group (www.lifegategroup.org/donate). The fund supports single mothers who need but cannot afford counseling services.

A celebration of life service will be held at Trinity Anglican Church (Westside), 2260 Defoor Hills Road NW, Atlanta, 30318, October 15, 2022, at 4 p.m.

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