Paula Marie Mikels-Burnett

Paula Mikels-Burnett, 89, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at White Oak North Grove, Spartanburg, South Carolina. Born January 29, 1937, in High Point, North Carolina, Paula was a daughter of the late David Walter White and Mary Coltrane White. Paula and her family moved to Florida in 1959 where she lived until retirement in 2005, moving to her dream home in Boiling Springs, South Carolina.

Paula was a dedicated and passionate professional. Her career began in 1963 where she worked at Sears Roebuck for more than 30 years in a variety of positions. Then, as an administrative assistant for the fire marshal at Lake Worth Fire and Rescue until retirement. She found this work especially meaningful and loved visiting schools to spread awareness of fire safety to children.

Paula was a force of nature. She loved music and singing, was an animal lover and an avid reader. Often you would find her reading a book with her beloved dog, Bridgette curled up beside her. Paula was an accomplished orchid gardener and enjoyed sitting on her porch communing with nature. She was known for her keen sense of personal style and eye for design. Ultimately, the most important thing in her life was her family.

Paula is survived by her daughters, Judy Levy (Howard) of Naples, Florida, Susan Kress of Raleigh, North Carolina, Jayne Morrison (Wayne) of Port St. Lucie, Florida; her son Joe R. Mikels of Mayo, South Carolina; grandchildren, Jessica Levy, Alison Levy, Melissa Kress, Steven Kress, and Daniel Mikels (Jacilyn); great grandchildren, Taylor Mikels and Tory Mikels; and brothers, Thomas H. White, W. Herman White, and W. Thurman White. Paula is also survived by her step-children, W. Kirby Burnett (Karen Brentnell) of Greenville, South Carolina and Angela Vaughn Carter of North Andover, Massachusetts; step-grandchildren, Ashley M. White (Tim) and Colton G. Sears; and step-great grandchildren, Luca White and Raina Cataldo. The family would also like to express much gratitude to Frances Smith for the loving care given to Paula over the past two years.

In addition to her parents, Paula was predeceased by a son, John D. Mikels; sister, Frances Irene Johnson; brother, David E. White and her devoted former husband and long-time companion, Teddy R. Burnett.

A memorial service officiated by Rev. Dave Rodrick will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday May 2, 2026, at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Boiling Springs, South Carolina. Interment will follow at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
- Tunnel to Towers Foundation to assist military, veterans, and first responders at www.t2t.org
-CurePSP, whose mission is to increase awareness, educate, and find a cure for
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and related neurodegenerative disease at www.psp.org