Paula Marcia Gunn

Paula Marcia (Britt) Gunn, known as GG to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away Thursday August 5, 2021 at her daughter's home in O'Fallon, Missouri. She was 101 years young.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 4, 1920 to Paul and Anna (Harris) Britt, Paula grew up in Richmond Heights, Missouri. She attended Maplewood High School where she met best friend, Melba Gunn. It was at the family's "Gunn Club" in Kimmswick, Missouri that Melba introduced Paula to her future husband, Allen. In 1938 Paula graduated high school and went on to take art classes at Washington University. It was her dream to become a fashion illustrator. Paula and Allen eloped and married at the Presbyterian Church in Washington, Missouri on July 10, 1948. They were married 62 years. While raising and taking care of her family in St. Louis County, Paula continued to pursue her love of art by teaching others decorative painting. In 1975 she earned her Master Teacher Certificate from the fledgling National Society of Tole and Decorative Painters, Inc.; now known as the Society of Decorative Painters (SDP). Paula and Allen enjoyed time sailing their boat, the Freyja, on the Mississippi River from Harbor Point Yacht Club in West Alton. Upon retirement they sailed their boat down the Mississippi River to their new home, Slidell, Louisiana. In addition to building their dream home on the water, they were actively involved in the community and loved entertaining their many friends and family. They were active members of the Mardi Gras Krewe Dominique; Paula designed and sewed beautiful costumes for their local Mardi Gras balls, some of which can be seen today at the Mardi Gras Museum in Slidell, Louisiana. They were members of the First Presbyterian Church and the associated Young at Heart Group, and Meals for the Needy. They were active members of the Slidell Athletic Club and participated in Body Recall, a fitness and flexibility program for Seniors. Paula was also a member of the Coin du Lestin Garden Club.

Paula is survived by her Son Stephan Allen (Gary Gasior) Gunn, Daughter Carol Ann (Steven) Posey, Son-in-law William Harry Oppland, Granddaughter Stephanie Claire (Robert) Zelle, Granddaughter Lauren Ashley (Daniel) Zes, Granddaughter Danielle Renee (John) Stretch, Granddaughter Caitlin Suzanne Oppland, Grandson Charles William Oppland, Great-Grandson Robert Carter Zelle, Great-Granddaughter Julia Britt Zelle, Great-Grandson Henry Daniel Zes, Great-Grandson Maxwell William Zes, Great-Granddaughter Lillian Grace Stretch, and Sister Dorothy Maxine Prezbindowski. She will be greatly missed by many other family members and friends.
Paula was preceded in death by her Husband Allen Clifford "Buzz" Gunn, Father Paul Harry Britt, Mother Anna Maxine Britt, Two Brothers Harry McPherson Britt, Richard Treston Britt and Daughter Laura Lee Oppland.

After a small graveside ceremony, interment will be in Biloxi National Cemetery in Mississippi on August 23, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial donations to: American Cancer Society at donate3.cancer.org.