Paula Rappe, 72, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Born in Mobile, AL to a Coast Guard family, Paula had the privilege of living all over the United States of America. Upon graduation from Biloxi High School, Paula attended Mississippi State where she was a member of the marching band before transferring to Southern Miss where she earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Social Work.

Paula was honored to have a career that spanned numerous decades assisting underprivileged and troubled youth and adults, the homeless community, and Veterans, as well as teaching and mentoring up and coming social workers through the University of West Florida. In 1996, Paula was part of the planning team for the first ever Japan-U.S. Social Welfare Symposium, that is still thriving and impacting students and communities today. She and her late husband, Larry, were long time members of the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) team and Disaster Assistance Medical Team (DMAT) that assisted first responders and victims of disasters throughout the United States. She also passionately facilitated groups for Veterans and their spouses through the Vet Center of Pensacola. Through her successful 30 plus year career at the University of West Florida, Paula published numerous papers, was invited to present at countless conferences, and was awarded multiple faculty awards. However, she would be most proud of the relationships that she made with her students and fellow faculty members, the changes to policies, and the impact that she had in her community.

Paula was an esteemed Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Assistant Professor, Program Director, Wife, and Mother, but her most treasured role was that of a grandmother.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Olene Thompson; her brother, Raymond Scott; and her loving husband, Larry Rappe.

She is survived by her daughter, Amanda Guthrie (Jacob) of Pensacola, FL, son, Charles Rappe of Pensacola, FL; and stepson, Aaron (Vanessa), of Mobile, AL; her pride and joy, grandchildren, James, Luke, and Madeleine, as well as numerous loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Paula's laughter, effervescent personality, desire to get into "good trouble", and passion for life will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10:00am Monday, June 23, 2025, a t Perdido Bay Methodist Church, followed by a graveside service at Barrancas National Cemetery.