Paula Lee Mehaffey, 72, passed away on November 22, 2025, in Lynchburg. Born on November 25, 1952, in Lynchburg, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Paul and June Mehaffey and was also preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Mehaffey. She graduated from E.C. Glass High School and received a Bachelor’s of Science from Longwood College in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Paula’s family were lifelong members of Centenary United Methodist Church. Paula was committed to social justice and spent her career serving and advocating for persons who were handicapped or needed help with daily living. Paula had a wide range of music that she enjoyed from Rock to Folk and anything in between. Paula enjoyed going to concerts all over the country. Her favorite bands, just to name a few, were Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Melissa Etheridge, Lady Gaga, Tina Turner, Caruso, and she also really enjoyed Broadway Musicals. In addition to loving music, Paula loved dogs. She was a devoted pet parent to Brownie, Martin, Katie and Ethan. She also was devoted to Rex, Remie, and Daisey. Dogs were some of her favorite people. Paula was an avid traveler with the heart of an explorer; she enjoyed discovering the many beautiful landscapes and sites from North to South and East to West. She had a love of photography and spent a good portion of her free time pursuing her passion through the camera lenses. She loved movies and often quoted her favorites by heart with her sister. Paula was a huge follower of UVA sports, which was her father’s alma mater. Paula was a cancer survivor and was grateful to the doctors and staff at Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center for their gentle and healing care. 

She is survived by her uncle, Terry “Sonny” Martin, of Lynchburg; and many cousins and friends. 

A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM  at Spring Hill Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Lynchburg Humane Society, www.lynchburghumane.org. 

Diuguid Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. 21914 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg VA 24502.