Paula Runette Bobo Hightower

Paula Runette Bobo Hightower, 77, was called home on July 7, 2025, at UNC Nash Hospital in Rocky Mount, NC. Born December 12, 1947, in Charlotte, NC, to the late Edna Runette McClellan Bobo and Luther Paul Bobo, Paula lived a life radiant with faith, love, and creativity. Her family was her heartbeat, and her three daughters were the light of her life—cherished beyond measure and the source of her greatest joy. Paula’s gift as an educator touched thousands over her 30-year career as an art teacher. She retired in 2014 from Nash County Public Schools after a distinguished tenure, having also served in Halifax County Schools. Her classroom was a sanctuary of color and confidence, where students learned to find beauty in the everyday and courage in the unknown. Her legacy is a gallery of lives forever inspired by her creativity, warmth, and gentle guidance. A devoted Christian and faithful member of Christian Fellowship Church in Sandy Cross, Paula’s unwavering belief in Jesus Christ guided every part of her life. Her grace, humility, and compassion were quiet reflections of her deep and steady faith. Paula graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1965 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Art from East Carolina University in 1969. At ECU, she distinguished herself as a leader—serving as Vice President and later President of the College Artists of the School of Art. Her involvement with the North Carolina Art Education Association and the Student National Art Education Association reflected her lifelong commitment to both art and community. She is survived by her beloved daughters:; Megan Hightower Dyson (Jason) of Oak Ridge, NC; Meryn Hightower Johnson of Nashville, NC; and her adored grandchildren: Colin Douglas Johnson, Evan Monroe Johnson, Grant Dyson, and Trevor Dyson. She is also survived by her devoted siblings:Gregory Lynn Bobo (Debbie), Mark Austin Bobo (Christine), and Carol Ann Bobo, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews who brought her great joy. Paula’s life was a masterpiece of love, service, and purpose—a canvas guided by God's hand, painted with grace, and illuminated by her unwavering faith. A celebration of Paula’s life will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Cornerstone Funeral Home, 1052 S 1st St, Nashville, NC 27856. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. All who knew and loved her are warmly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paula’s memory may be made to the TEAM Gleason Foundation at TeamGleason.org, an organization that gives a voice to the voiceless through support for those with ALS—reflecting Paula’s legacy of lifting others with love and speaking up for those who needed to be heard.

Tributes

Paula Runette Bobo Hightower

December 12, 1947 - July 7, 2025