Paulette Jones Gunn, age 64, departed this earthly life unexpectedly on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by the love and care of her family.
Funeral services remembering the life of Mrs. Paulette will be held at 11 AM Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Harmony Baptist Church in Walnut, Mississippi. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 7 PM until 9 PM in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home and Thursday from 9 AM until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery, where a brief prayer will be offered.
Born November 12, 1961, in Ripley, Mississippi, Mrs. Paulette was the daughter of the late Edmond Earl and Minnie Lou Mohundro Jones. She was a graduate of Walnut High School and, on August 31, 1979, married the love of her life, Mr. Charles Gunn, who survives. Through forty-seven years of marriage, they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and devotion to their family.
A devoted wife and loving mother, Mrs. Paulette was the steady heart of her home—and, when needed, the referee between her girls. She understood the value of a hard day’s work and spent much of her life employed in the manufacturing industry. Over the years, she worked at Tipco, Foot Caress, PEP, the BP in Walnut, Dover, and twenty five plus years at ThyssenKrupp before retiring a few years ago. Whatever the job before her, she brought the same determination and dedication that shaped every part of her life.
A Christian and faithful member of Harmony Baptist Church, Mrs. Paulette had a warmth that naturally drew people to her. In earlier years, she enjoyed fishing and cross-stitching, patiently creating pieces that became treasured gifts. Among them was a beautiful ten-point buck she made for Charles—a special expression of the love and care she put into the things she did for others.
As the years passed, her greatest joys were found in the simple blessings of everyday life: going places with Charles, caring for her faithful canine companion, Dolly, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Of all the names she answered to, “Gee” held a place especially close to her heart. She adored her grandsons and delighted in every opportunity to spoil them, making sure they never had to wonder how deeply they were loved.
Mrs. Paulette had a gift for bringing a smile to someone’s face. With a joke always close at hand, she could find a way to lighten the mood, whether in the middle of a happy gathering or a more serious moment. Her humor was part of how she cared for people, offering a little laughter when it was needed most. Although she could be strong-willed and certainly knew her own mind, she was also the peacemaker in her family, helping settle disagreements and bringing everyone back together with love.
Her life was made meaningful by the people she loved and the countless ways she showed up for them. In her bright smile, familiar teasing, thoughtful handiwork, and unwavering devotion, she gave her family memories they will carry for the rest of their lives. Her absence leaves a place no one else can fill, but the love she poured into her husband, daughters, grandsons, and friends will remain a lasting part of each of them.
In addition to her beloved husband, Charles, those left to cherish her memory include her two daughters, Leslie Spencer (Daniel) and Amber Gunn (Jon Harris); her two grandsons, Houston Reid Spencer and Noah Gunnar Ballard; her brother, Robert Aaron Harris (Nell); Justin Waldon, whom she loved like a son; and special friends, Terry Jo Herring and Jo Ann Jones. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many dear friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant brothers, Ricky and Marty Jones.
Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve Mrs. Paulette’s family.
