Paula Whitten Phillips

Paula Whitten Phillips, 83, passed away on August 9, 2026 in Hillsborough, NC. A native of Marshall County, AL, Paula lived an extraordinary life filled with loving friends and family. Growing up in the community of Douglas, AL, Paula learned the discipline and value of hard work on the family farm, and she carried those lessons to great success in her career. After relocating from Huntsville, AL to Cary, NC with her husband Pat and son Gregg in 1977, Paula went to work for IBM, rising quickly from a secretarial position to a role planning service and support for IBM products throughout the world. Known for her keen problem-solving skills and unrelenting work ethic, she traveled extensively for IBM and made close friends throughout the global business. While living in Cary, Pat and Paula developed a large circle of lifelong friends through their extensive involvement in community and service organizations. After retiring from IBM, Paula and Pat returned to live in Douglas, building a house on the family farm owned by her parents. As a young and energetic retiree, Paula felt the call to serve the community and was elected mayor of Douglas. She served three full terms in office, working tirelessly with state and local leaders to improve life for Douglas, Marshall County, and Alabama residents. In addition to these duties, Paula served on numerous boards and commissions, earning the respect and admiration of those with whom she worked. After truly retiring, Paula enjoyed many years of travel, time with friends, and time with family. She often visited her son and his family in North Carolina and traveled widely throughout the US and Europe. She also continued volunteer work in her community, especially focusing on Corbinville Methodist Church, where she enjoyed many friendships and the support of a loving church family. In 2023, Paula moved to Hillsborough, NC to live near her son, Gregg, and his family. While in Hillsborough, she continued to build a strong circle of friends and became active in Hillsborough United Methodist Church. She very much enjoyed the opportunity to see her grandchildren more often and spend a lot more time with Gregg and his wife Carolyn. All who came to know her marked her as a person of kindness and grace. Paula was preceded in death by her parents, W.A. and Robbie Whitten, and her husband, Pat. She is survived by her sister, Shirley Whitten, of Madison, AL, her son Gregg and his wife Carolyn of Hillsborough, NC and three grandchildren: Hannah Phillips of Greensboro, NC, Luke Phillips of Fayetteville, NC and Lt. Whitt Phillips, USAF of Ogden UT. A visitation and service of remembrance will be held at Corbinville Methodist church in Albertville, AL on August 25. Friends are invited to join the visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the service beginning at 11 a.m. A private family interment will take place at New Hope Primitive Baptist Church near Boaz, AL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to the Alzheimers Association (www.alz.org) be made in Paula’s honor. Arrangements entrusted to Albertville Memorial Chapel.

Paula Whitten Phillips

April 12, 1943 - August 9, 2026