Meridian, MS - It is with great sadness that the family and friends of Paula Diane Covington Hawkins announce her passing at age 64 on January 2, 2026, at Diversicare in Quitman, MS. Paula served in many administrative positions throughout her life in Louisiana, Kentucky, and Indiana. Paula returned to her native Meridian in 2016. She was highly creative and enjoyed repurposing costume jewelry into suncatchers and other decorative items.

Paula's graveside service will be conducted at Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery, 9590 Highway 80 West, Meridian, MS 39307, at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 12, 2026. The service is open to any friend of Paula's. Flowers can be sent to the Robert Barham Family Funeral Home at 6300 Hwy 39 N, Meridian, MS 39305. The service will be conducted by Pastor Mason Kiple of the Northpointe Presbyterian Church where she attended services.

She is survived by her sister, Kimberly Bernice Covington, her brother, William Morris Covington, her niece, Laura Christian Brazier's children, Madeline Dorman, and Christian Dorman, her younger sister, Laura Lawson's children, Dylan Lawson and Megan Lawson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Billy Ray Covington and Diane Hearron Covington.

Paula was thoughtful of others in donating her organs to help save lives.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.