Paula Marie Bick

Paula Marie (Bell) Bick, aged 81, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024 at Arlington Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 24, 1942, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Paula was the second child and only daughter of AJ Bell and Berenice (Bunny) Moss Bell. Her early years were marked by fond memories of walks to Shell Beach with friends, swimming, and enjoying sailboat rides during the sunset.

The family later moved to San Antonio, where Paula graduated from Highland High School. It was in San Antonio that she crossed paths with the love of her life, Lawrence (Larry) Bick, an enlisted man in the Air Force stationed at Brooks Air Force Base. Their love story began at an airman’s club dance, where Paula’s persistence and wit overcame Larry’s wrist cast, leading to a night of dancing and the start of a lifelong journey together.

Married on February 2, 1963, their union endured for 61 years, filled with joy, challenges, and the creation of a beautiful family. After tying the knot, they set up their first home on the southside of San Antonio, where they welcomed their firstborn, daughter Laura Christine, followed by son John Josephsen, and son Gregory Lawrence.

The family faced the trials of military life, including a stint in Thailand during the Vietnam War, before settling in Midland, Texas, where Larry worked for the Federal Judiciary. Paula actively participated in her community, engaged in her children’s activities, and embraced Midland life, especially cheering on her sons at the Midland Lee Rebel Football games.

After Larry’s retirement in September 2003, the couple relocated to Arlington, Texas, to be closer to family. Paula, a devout Catholic, continued her active involvement in faith-based charities and organizations, serving as a member of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and volunteering for Catholic Charities of Fort Worth and Meals On Wheels.

Paula’s passions included sewing and delighting in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her famous Christmas cookies brought joy to all, and she embraced technology, quickly becoming a Facebook enthusiast to stay connected with loved ones.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, AJ and Bunny Bell; brother Fred Bell; and daughter Laura Bick Randolph. She is survived by devoted husband Larry Bick, son John Bick and wife Paige of Arlington, Texas and their children Halle Bick of Dallas, Texas, Haiden Bick Wilhide and husband Jacob Wilhide of Dallas, Texas, and Kenedi Bick of Fort Worth, Texas; son Gregory Bick and wife Kellie Bick of Fort Worth, Texas and their children John McLain and wife Mary McLain of Arlington, Texas and their children John, Dallas and Miller McLain, Waren (McLain) Bick Evans and husband Donnie Evans of Marble Falls, Texas and their children Tripp and Jameson Evans, Peyton Bick of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jacob Bick of Midland, Texas, grandson Tyler Randolph and wife Meagan Randolph of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas and their children Tyler and Tate Randolph, granddaughter Kristin Randolph of Keller, Texas and her daughter Kahlyn Grantham, granddaughter Kathryn Randolph Phillips and husband Ben Phillips of Bastrop, Texas and their children Kian and Jackson Phillips, and a multitude of extended relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 22nd, from 6-8pm at Wade Funeral Home in Arlington. A funeral mass is scheduled for Friday, February 23rd, at 11 am at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Arlington. The burial service is TBD at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Helotes, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Charities of Fort Worth. Paula’s life, filled with love, resilience, and a vibrant spirit, will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.