Mrs. Paula C. Wingfield

The heavens opened on Wednesday, June 9th to welcome the spirit of Paula Chris Wingfield.  With a “sigh of relief” she entered peacefully into eternal life and was changed from mortal to immortality at the Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, SC surrounded by her faithful and loving family. Paula was born October 12, 1970, in Franklin, Louisiana to Eleanor B. Smalls and the late Clifton Givens. 

She was a 1988 graduate of Franklin Senior High School, Franklin, LA whom she cherished.  She furthered her education at Southern Technical College, Lafayette, LA.  She served in the United States Army for 4 years.

At an early age, she was baptized by Rev. Willie Otis, Sr. at Mount Zion Baptist Church of Louisiana.  For years, she attended Mount Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Columbia SC serving as a youth Sunday school teacher. She later joined First Nazareth Baptist Church, Columbia, SC.  She was a volunteer with Sistercare in Columbia, SC providing services for survivors of domestic violence and their children.

While living in Columbia, SC, she worked at Carolina First Bank for 5 years and had 14 years of service with the State of South Carolina; most recently employed at SC Department on Aging.

Paula was strong-willed, determined, devoted, spiritual, and simply “fabulous” in every fiber of her being.  She possessed a sweet spirit that left an indelible mark in your soul.  Caring, giving, and sincere compassion for others were all second nature to her.  Her distinctive laughter, one will never forget.  Her outspokenness made her the ultimate warrior of a self-confident woman.  Her beauty inside and out always reflected her character.  One of her passions was a consistent workout routine at the gym and home.

On June 3, 1994, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Benjamin H. Wingfield.  They were happily married for 27 years.  Their handsome and caring son, Zamardre was her heart and soul.  The three of them shared an unbreakable bond.

Paula was preceded in death by a son, Benjamin Zamal; step-father, Alvin Smalls; grandparents, Abe Lovely, Jr., & Georgia Mae Vincent, and Helen Givens; and great-grandparents, Abe (Isabella) Lovely, Sr.

Fond memories will be eternally engraved in the hearts of her loving husband, Benjamin H. Wingfield of the home; beloved son, Zamardre Christopher Wingfield, San Diego, CA; devoted mother, Eleanor Smalls, Franklin, LA; two loyal brothers, Terrance (Erica) Givens, Prairieville, LA and Dwayne (Tracey) Givens, Sioux City, IA; a faithful sister, Jamatra Mitchell, Houston, TX; sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Wingfield, Martinsville, VA; six uncles; six aunts; fourteen nieces and nephews; one God-child; four God-sisters; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends all whom will continue to celebrate her life and memories.

The legacy of Paula C. Wingfield shall forever live on in our hearts, for she was a virtuous woman of faith and devout woman of God!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mrs. Paula C. Wingfield, please visit our floral store.