Laverne "Nanny" Paul

Laverne “Nanny” Paul, 89, of Dawson, GA passed away April 27, 2024 at her residence.

Her funeral will be Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Dawson United Methodist Church followed by private interment.

Born in Baker County, Newton, Georgia, Mrs. Paul was a Methodist and a member of Sasser United Methodist Church.  During her high school years she excelled in basketball.  Her leadership led her team to win the State Championship in 1950.   Her talent warranted an invitation to join the nationally known women’s basketball team, The American Red Heads.   However, Laverne declined this prestigious offer as she had different plans for her future.  

In 1955, Laverne married Raymon Huston Paul.  They made their life in Dawson.  In 1969 Laverne and Huston purchased a supermarket on Stonewall in Dawson which became Paul’s Little Supermarket.  In 1989 Paul’s Restaurant opened, and their dream became a reality.   Unfortunately, four years later Huston passed away.  Laverne took the challenge of continuing and developing the restaurant.  For 31 years she was responsible for the success of Paul’s restaurant.  As a thriving female business owner, Mrs. Paul became a shrewd business woman with a dry wit and a loving hug for all.  As customers have said, Mrs. Paul truly was a grandmother to all, extending unconditional love, strength, and generosity, even beyond her immediate family.   Mrs. Paul truly loved her family, including her Paul’s employees and her extended family-her customers, impacting all of those around her.  

Mrs. Paul was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymon Huston Paul, and her parents, Charlie and Lucille Cross. 

Survivors include her adoring Stacy Paul George, Dr. Bill George, and Lilly Katherine Wernick, as well as Danny Anthony, Deborah Mobley and the rest of the Paul’s Restaurant family including Virginia, Angela, Norris and Sheila, in addition to two sisters, Marie Hughes and Pat Weekley and a special nephew, Larry Paul and his wife Joyce.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at the Dawson United Methodist Church.