Paula C. McCarty

Jesus Christ told us that he was preparing a place for us and would come to get us when he was ready. Paula Charlene Pattillo McCarty, age 81, of Gardendale, Alabama went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 23, 2026. Her mind is now at ease and her soul at rest. She was a member of Gardendale First Baptist Church. Paula was born on April 22, 1945, in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Paul Edison and Gladys Ruth Dillard Pattillo. She was the oldest daughter with siblings Henry Norman Pattillo and Janice Pattillo Nail Whitt. Paula loved her family and is survived by her husband James Michael McCarty, her children, Belinda Marcrum Patterson (Greg), April McCarty Spittal (Ben), Darlene Marcrum, Tammy Marcrum, David Marcrum and her grandchildren, Andrew Patterson (Lindsay), Matthew Patterson (Alesha), Aaron Patterson (Rachel), Autumn Patterson Brashier (Jacob), Benjamin Spittal and Bradley Spittal and her great grandchildren, Carsen Allie Patterson, Caylee Patterson, Carlee Patterson, Chamberlynn Brashier, Kayce Brashier, Ariya Ann Patterson and baby Patterson in heaven. Paula had a creative side and an eye for beauty in pictures. She rarely went anywhere without a Camea in her hands. She never wanted to miss the perfect shot, especially in nature. While visiting in the mountains, she wanted a picture of a bear so much that it got close enough to sniff Michael’s leg as they stood extremely still. Paula, along with her husband Michael, owned and operated a photography studio located in Gardendale, Alabama. Paula didn’t just take pictures; she immersed herself in her work and studied photography. In 2008, The Board and Council of the Professional Photographers of America awarded Paula the degree of Master of Photography. She was recognized for her contributions to the profession of photography, excellence in imagery demonstrated on a sustained basis and support in raising awareness and appreciation for outstanding photography. She will be remembered for her ability to capture beauty in her work as a photographer and seeing the elegance in nature. Her work was and is displayed all around the state of Alabama in many homes and different businesses. Family and friends are invited to a graveside service that will be held on June 26, 2026, at 2:00 at Oakwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, you can donate to Gardendale First Baptist Church TV Ministry, Pastor’s Class, Kingdom Seekers or Preschool Ministry.

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Paula C. McCarty

April 22, 1945 - June 23, 2026