Paula Roberta McKay

Paula Roberta McKay, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her dearly. She was 70 years old.

Born in Groesbeck, Texas, to the late Pierina and Lawrence Durwood McGilvray, Paula was at the heart of a large and loving family. She was one of ten siblings: Larry McGilvray, Trisha Ewert, Sarah Kelly, Sharlot Parker, Leo McGilvray, Mary Brooks, Lorraine Fussell, Carolyn McGilvray, Michael McGilvray, and their spouses, kids, and grandkids.

Paula graduated from the University of North Texas in 1978 with a degree in Physical Education. She married the love of her life, Rick McKay, in 1977. Together, they built a beautiful life and family. She was a devoted mother to Alison Longworth (and her husband, Blake), her grandchildren Vanora Longworth and Theadora Longworth, her son John Travis McKay (and his wife, Kelly Smith-McKay), her grandchild Olivia McKay, and her daughter Emily McKay (and her fiancé, Stephen Mendoza).

Professionally, Paula worked for over two decades at Database Marketing, later serving as an insurance service representative alongside her husband. But her greatest joy came from caring for her family and creating a warm, inviting home.

Paula had a creative spirit and a giving heart. She loved making custom t-shirts and wreaths for her grandchildren, decorating her home— especially during Christmas when every corner sparkled with festive cheer—and experimenting with new recipes to share with loved ones. She also found comfort in reading novels and watching Hallmark movies, often with her cat sitting beside her.

Her gentle strength, compassion, and selflessness defined her. Truly, she embodied the words of Proverbs 31: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue… Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Paula’s legacy is one of love, generosity, and quiet faith. She gave everything she had to those around her, and though she is now at rest, her light continues to shine in the lives she touched.

A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia, Texas. The Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m., also at the church. Interment will follow at Fort Parker Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity of your choice in her memory.