Paula Franco

Paula Jimenez Franco, 73, of Canadian, entered her Heavenly home on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 in Amarillo.

Rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM on Monday, September 28, 2026 at Carmichael-Whatley Canadian Chapel.

Viewing for the public will begin Monday, September 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM.

Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Canadian Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Marco Gonzalez, Parochial Administrator, officiating. Burial will follow in Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian.

Paula was born on January 22, 1953, in San Luis del Cordero, Mexico, to Gonzalo Jimenez and Paula Renteria Jimenez. She married Abundio Perez Franco on November 21, 1975, in Mexico. In 1978, Paula and her family made their home in Canadian, Texas.

Paula was a devoted wife and wonderful mother who dedicated herself to caring for her home and raising her children. She stayed home with her children until her youngest began school and then went to work at Canadian Laundry, where she remained until it closed in 2001. She later began working at Texas Farm, where she continued until her retirement in 2017.

Paula was a strong, happy, and vibrant woman who had a personality that could brighten any room. She was a jokester who loved to laugh, have fun, and make those around her smile. She loved life and wasn't afraid to show a little personality along the way.

She especially treasured being “Pita” and “Grandmamom” to her grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life. Her family meant everything to her, and some of her happiest moments were simply having everyone together.

Cooking was Paula’s love language. She showed her family how much she loved them by preparing their favorite meals. Her kitchen was a place where family gathered, stories were shared, laughter was heard, and memories were made.

Paula loved to shop and always enjoyed looking her best. She had a special love for bright colors that perfectly matched her vibrant personality. Some of her favorite shopping trips were spent alongside her best friend and sister, Linda Flores, affectionately known as “la sister.” The two shared a special bond, plenty of laughter, and countless good times together.

Paula loved plants and enjoyed surrounding herself with their beauty. Whether she was tending to her plants, shopping for something colorful, cooking a favorite meal, or joking with her family, Paula had a way of bringing happiness and life wherever she went.

Paula also believed in Jesus and had a personal relationship with Him. Today she is rejoicing and dancing in Heaven and seeing Jesus face to face because she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

Paula will be remembered as a strong woman with a joyful spirit, a wonderful sense of humor, and a tremendous love for her family. She lived brightly, loved deeply, laughed often, and leaves behind a lifetime of memories that her family will forever treasure.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Leonides Jimenez and Juan Renteria; her sisters, Jenoveva Jimenez Valenzuela, Josefina Jimenez Valenzuela, Maria dela Cruz Jimenez Quezada, and Rosa Jimenez Sandoval.

Survivors include her husband, her four sons, Abundio Jr. Franco and wife Malleli, Elfego Franco and wife Erin, Fabian Franco, and Elpidio Franco and wife Sandra; three daughters, Dalia Franco, Crystal Lomas and husband Homero, and Vanessa Hernandez and husband Johnathan; and nine grandchildren, Eric, Elizabeth, Zane, Quinn, Collin, Owen, Ava Jo, Clarissa, and Katya.