Sybil O'Dean Black Paulsen

Sybil O'Dean Black Paulsen, age 98, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2015, in Sarasota, Fl. Her family was blessed to be at her bedside when she went to be with her Lord. She had such a strong faith! Dean was born to Annie McClellan Stone and Thomas Benton Black of the Oak Ridge Community in Attala County on July 31, 1917. After graduation from West High School, she went to work in Jackson, MS. There she met the love of her life, Carl Edward Paulsen. Carl was in the U. S. Army working at the Ordnance Plant in Flora. They were married on September 13, 1943 in St. Petersburg, Fl, which was Carl's home town. Dean returned to Attala County and lived with her mother while Carl was overseas during WWII. When Carl came home, Dean and baby Nancy moved to Florida to make that her home and raise their family. Dean and Carl were married for 60 years until his death in 2003. In Dean's heart, Mississippi was home. She longed to be in the country and came home as often as possible, making her last two trips in 2013. She was one of thirteen children that remained close throughout the years, so it was bittersweet that she was the last surviving sibling and in-law. Dean lived a long and full life that was driven by the love she had for her family. She was kind and giving and so appreciative of the care she received in later years by her family. She gave her love easily and that love was returned by those who knew her. Words cannot express how she is already missed. Dean is survived by two daughters, Nancy Paulsen Grauer and husband Barry, Carol Paulsen Matthai and husband Geoff, four grandchildren, Doug Grauer (Dahlia), Deana Parker (Dwaine), Carla Smith (Mike), and Erin Matthai. She leaves 10 great-grandchildren who loved their Mama Dean; Dillon, Daelyn, Joshua, Eva, Syndie, Cash, Cora, Maverick, Hannah and Colton and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be at 1:00pm on Thursday, December 31, 2015, at the Jordan Funeral Home Chapel with visitation beginning at noon. Services will be conducted by her nephews, Rev. James Elkin and Dr. Tom Elkin. Burial will follow at the Friendship Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Barry Grauer, Geoff Matthai, T J Evans, Sandy Evans, Jerry O'Briant, and Jeff Dean.