Paula Cardwell

77, of St. Petersburg, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2011, after bravely battling cancer for nearly a decade. A Celebration of Paula's exceptional life will be held Saturday, November 26, 2011, at 10 am at the Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. M.L. King Jr. Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida. Born on January 26, 1934, in Abbeville, Alabama, Paula accomplished her childhood dream of traveling the world and touching the lives of many people. As the wife of Air Force officer Clement Brown, she lived in Hawaii, Hong Kong, and numerous stateside postings before moving to St. Petersburg in 1964. Paula's distinctive style led to a career of modeling and producing fashion shows around the world. In St. Petersburg, she served as Fashion Director for several well-known clothing stores, and wrote a weekly column for the Evening Independent newspaper. She created course materials and taught classes to enhance women's confidence and poise. Her flair for fashion and entertaining was the subject of a cover story in the St. Petersburg Time's Floridian Magazine. Paula also found time for community service work, including serving on the Board of the St. Petersburg Museum of History. While living in Elkins, West Virginia, she volunteered extensively with the Children's Foster Home, organizing a library, garden, Christmas party and art projects with the children. Upon returning to St. Petersburg in 1983, Paula began a highly successful career in commercial real estate with the Fred Bullard Company. As Director of Leasing for the Bay Plaza Company, Paula was instrumental in the 1988 redevelopment of St. Petersburg's famous landmark, The Pier. Later she became a top leasing agent for RMC Realty, where her personal touch, energetic efforts, and creative ideas were greatly appreciated by tenants and coworkers alike. Paula is lovingly remembered by her son, Warren Brown of St. Petersburg; and daughter, Leesa Gordon, of West Palm Beach. She left behind 3 grandchildren whom she adored: Stephanie Brown, Trevor Gordon and Julia Gordon; as well as many cherished and loyal friends who will never forget her enthusiasm for life. From runway modeling before the King and Queen of Thailand, to teaching Johnny Carson the hula dance on national TV, Paula showed us all how to live life fully with style, beauty and grace.