On October 27, 1952 in Oakland, California, Paulette Merriwether was cheerfully greeted into the world by her parents Ross and Eva Merriwether. From the moment she entered the world she captivated those around her with her warm smile and big beautiful dark brown eyes. At a very early age that warm smile entered the hearts of her family and friends, including those belonging to Seventh Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland, as she became a member and sang her little heart out in their children's choir. Paulette's faith in the Lord began to soar at that time and she was truly one of God's soldiers through her ability to live in God's image through her selflessness, kindness, giving spirit, and unconditional love for others; and the ability to remain faithful and prayerful no matter what the circumstances.

Paulette attended Crocker Highlands Elementary, McChesney Junior High, Oakland and Skyline high schools. Although she graduated from Skyline, she remained an Oakland High Alumna at heart. Paulette also attended Merritt Junior College and later graduated from University of Phoenix with her Bachelor's degree. Paulette was loved by her peers and teachers within each of her academic environments and was a student who fully immersed herself in her community through the arts as she played her clarinet in her earlier years and later became passionate about modern dance as she performed with such grace. This grace was also shown as she made her debut as a Links Cotillion Debutante in 1969.

Paulette's passion expanded from the arts to travel and service through the various organizations she served. Her strongest passion entailed her two girls Dena Scott and Christine Williams, which she referred to as the core of her heart. With her girls and loved ones she was able to celebrate life through things such as travel as she made regular trips throughout the County, the State, the Country and beyond US borders sharing her favorite adventures, which included Maui, Santa Monica, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Cancun, Italy and Greece. Any place near the water brought this true Scorpio, joy as she traveled places and made sure that water was part of almost every journey, including cruises and trips with her beloved friends and family. Many may not have been aware, but from the time that she was a teenager Paulette had her mind set on living in the City of Santa Monica her "favorite City," specifically, because of its beauty which radiated to her through its coast.

Paulette made her way near her favorite City in 2004 as she relocated to Marina Del Rey, which was a neighboring Santa Monica coastal City to further develop her career in Surety Bonding and Commercial Insurance with her sister, Ingrid Merriwether. With her move to Southern California, Merriwether and Williams launched its Los Angeles division. Paulette left behind her Northern California home physically, but her spirit always remained split between her Southern and Northern California roots.

Wherever, Paulette made her way she paved a way for countless relationships and ventures to flourish as she brought a spirit of kindness, humor, love, genuineness, faith and tenacity. These traits made it impossible for people to not love her, and it suited her well in spiritual, professional and social arenas. She was regarded as a dynamic team member within her various affiliations over the years with Pasadena First AME, The Links, Jack and Jill, LAOIC, Black Chamber of Commerce and The Urban League to name a few.

Paulette leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Eva Merriwether, her daughters, Dr. Dena Scott and Christine Williams; her sister, Ingrid Merriwether Williams, her brother-in-law, Rick Williams, her niece, Nicole Klink, her nephews, Ashley and Tyler Williams; sisters and confidants, Natasha Boyd, Jackie Jones, and Linda Stokes; brothers and confidants, Chris Floyd, Glenn Boyd and Gerald Green. Also a host of cousins, loved ones and friends. Paulette's memory will live on throughout the hearts and spirits of many.

The service was attended by several cousins who added to this account. At the service she received recognition from the Pasadena City Council, Pasadena Mayor's Office, Los Angeles County Supervisors and from State Senator, Maxine Waters. The dominant statement about Paulette was how she lit up a room with her smile, and always had a good word for people.