Paulette Bates Dunaway, age 81, passed away peacefully at home in Conroe, TX, surrounded by her loving family, Friday, May 18, 2024. She was born May 25, 1942, in Pennington, TX, to parents Paul Allen Bates and Nettie Bell Smith Bates.

Paulette attended elementary and middle school in Pennington, TX and graduated from Groveton High School in 1960. Shortly after graduation, while visiting her siter Leela in Sebastopol, she was introduced to Charles Dunaway by Mayo Lawrence at Lawrences grocery store. It was said that Charles was returning from fishing at the Trinity River and had his pants rolled up. Surely it was love at first sight, as Charles immediately went home and returned a short time later all dressed up to see Paulette again. Following a short courtship, they married in July of the same year. Charles and Paulette's enduring love showed us all the meaning of true love and a marriage of 63 years.

Paulette was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and friend. Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and telling Charles what to do.

Paulette battled with dementia over the last 10 years. There were many things she could not do or remember anymore, and though confused at times, she never forgot who her family was. She enjoyed singing gospel hymns she learned as a child. Amazing Grace was probably her favorite and she always hit a high note on the verse "Like me!"

Paulette is survived by her husband Charles, Daughter Charlotte Robertson and Bruce, Son David Dunaway and Tracy. Grandchildren Chad Stokely and April, Chase Stokely, Thomas Whelihan Jr. and Sandra, Devyn Dunaway and Andrew Russell, Shelby Dunaway, and Travis Robertson.

Great Grandchildren Parker, Colton and Aubrie Stokely, Reese Russell (as Paulette would say Reese's Pieces Buttercup), and Luke and Evan Whelihan.

She is also survived by her brother Robert Richard Bates and Nancy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Nettie Belle Bates, sisters Nell Meinen and Buddy, and Leela Lawrence and Hootie.

The family will receive visitors beginning at 11 A.M. at Groveton Funeral Home, 1019 West 1st Street, Groveton, TX on Saturday, May 25, 2024 until funeral services at 12 P.M. with Bro. Drew Scott to officiate. Graveside to follow at Chita Cemetery, Chita, TX.