Paula M Todd

Paula Massey Todd of Lakeland, Florida died on January 10, 2025. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida on April 15, 1936, to Julian Morris Pritchard and Dorcas Collins Pritchard. 

She was the oldest of two girls and grew up in Lakeland, Florida graduating from Lakeland High School. Paula attended Wesleyan College in Macon Georgia and graduated with a degree in dental hygiene from the University of Tennessee at Memphis. 

In May of 1960, Paula married M. Craig Massey, an attorney in Lakeland Florida, and they were the parents of 3 children. Craig Massey passed away in July of 1998 after more than 37 years of happy marriage to Paula. Paula’s sister, Marsha Cato Merritt, predeceased her in 2007. In 1999 Paula married Herbert R. Todd, who was also widowed. They spent 17 happy years together in Lakeland and Saluda, NC until Herb Todd’s passing in February 2016. 

Paula was very involved in and supported many local community organizations and charities including First Presbyterian Church, the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Saluda, NC, the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, the Give Well Foundation, the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, the Philanthropy Educational Organization (P.E.O.), the Contemporary Club, Volunteers in Medicine, and the Junior League of Lakeland. 

Paula is survived by her 3 children, Morris Massey, Marsha Massey (Douglas Padgett), and George Massey (Deana), 4 grandchildren, and 4 stepchildren, Becky Blue (Bill), Nancy Todd, Sally Wilfong (Winston), Judy Crosby (Bill) and their families, and several dear nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held for Paula at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland, FL 33801, with a reception immediately following the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse (Western NC for victims of Hurricane Helene), the Give Well Foundation or charity of your choice.