Paula Hensarling Hoffer

Paula Hensarling Hoffer February 9, 1936 — January 24, 2024 Temple 

Paula Hoffer, age 87, lovingly known as Nana to her family, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas, due to complications from pneumonia. A memorial service will be held at 12pm on Saturday February 17, 2024, at Temple Bible Church Creekside Center, with Rev. Chase Bowers officiating. The family will receive visitors starting at 11am. 

Paula Hensarling Hoffer was born on February 9, 1936, in Port Arthur, Texas to the late Dr. Paul Reginald Hensarling and Mary Louella (Spragins) Hensarling. Throughout her life, Paula touched the hearts of those around her with her kindness, faith, and devotion to her family. 

Paula graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas in 1954. She married John "Lee" Hoffer in 1956 and then completed her Bachelor's degree in elementary education at the University of Tennessee in 1958. She taught school in Alabama and then North Carolina. Her greatest joy was being a wife and mom. Lee and Paula shared 62 years of marriage together before his death in 2019. 

Paula took great pride in raising their two sons Mike (Terri) Hoffer and Phil (Kathy) Hoffer. Her love extended beyond her immediate family to Mike and Terri's children: Lindsey Hoffer, Leah (Ely) Soto, and Luke (Lainie) Hoffer; and Phil and Kathy's children: Jake (Renee) Hoffer, Molly (Lex) Nathans, and Bethany (David) Patterson, as well as to her nine great-grandchildren who brought immeasurable joy to her life. 

She was known for her quiet nature and gentle disposition. She will be remembered as being a woman of unwavering Christian faith and a faithful servant to the Lord. A member of Temple Bible Church, she actively participated in church activities and Bible studies. Her commitment to the Lord was an inspiration to others. In addition to being an avid reader of Christian books and the Bible, Paula dedicated her time to serve wherever there was a need. She was a true prayer warrior who maintained a constantly growing prayer list. Once you got on her prayer list, you never left. 

Paula lived frugally & generously. She rarely spent money on herself, but she readily gave it away. She would regularly slip Starbucks gift cards into her granddaughters' hands or send a bit of "fun money" for outings or when family members took a trip. She was equally quick to donate large amounts, especially to Christian service and missions, or if she just wanted to lighten someone’s financial burden.

She also had a lighter side. Endearingly, she loved the color blue, sparky things, her large Teddy-Bear-of-the-Year collection, and Siamese kitty-cats. She especially loved Angel, the last of her kitties. She also loved watching shows about adventures in the cold Life Below Zero and Highway through Hell.

She was a loyal friend who possessed an immense capacity to listen and offer counsel. Her words of wisdom came from the Bible, and she shared the good news of forgiveness and eternal life by faith in Jesus Christ whenever she had the opportunity. Everyone who crossed paths with her heard about and benefitted from her love for the Lord. 

Paula will also be remembered for her love of family. She treasured spending time with loved ones, especially during "latte time" at 4pm and "ice cream time" at 9pm whenever the family visited. She also enjoyed daily phone calls with her best friend Marcie. There will be a void in the lives of all who knew her. 

Paula was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She also mourned the loss of her son Mike's best friend and business partner, Craig Yarnell, and one great-grandson, Eladio Soto. 

In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial donation to Gideons International, ℅ Temple Camp, PO Box 1023 Belton, Texas 76513 or to Temple Bible Church, Missions Fund, 3205 Oakview Dr. Temple, Tx 76502.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sabrina Young at Young's Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center.