Mrs. PAULA JEAN SHYTLES KILGORE

FORT WORTH -- Paula Jean Shytles Kilgore, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, Dec. 28, 2014, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Kilgore was 84 years old. Memorial service: A service celebrating Paula's life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, in the sanctuary of University Christian Church with the Rev. Cyndy Twedell officiating. Family and friends will gather in the church's Gallery Area immediately following the service. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to a charity of one's choice for the purpose of rescuing homeless animals, in her memory, is suggested. Paula grew up in Fort Worth as the only child of Jack and Katherine Shytles. She led an active life of tennis, ice skating and dancing while attending R.L. Paschal High School and Texas Christian University. In 1949, while attending TCU, Paula met and married the love of her life, Al Kilgore. Together, they embarked on a 61-year journey of shared businesses, building a family, and traveling. Theirs was a truly unique experience of never spending a day apart until Al's death in 2009. A longtime retail merchant in Fort Worth, Paula began her retail career by opening an antique store next to her husband's piano store. In 1969, she brought the first Pappagallo Store to Fort Worth bringing with it exclusive women's clothing and shoe lines. Her success allowed her business to expand to three stores in Texas. In the 1970s she opened Paula's Tea Room, now known as the Lunch Box, a legend in Fort Worth's lunch spots. Her innovative approach to retailing allowed her pioneer some of the first fashion style shows in restaurants, provide in home wardrobe services, creative newspapers ads, and the creation of some of Fort Worth's great lunch dishes. After her retirement as retail proprietor, Paula continued to manage a retail gift store and represent an exclusive women's clothing line. She was consulted well into her later years for her fashion expertise Paula was a member of Colonial Country Club where she enjoyed dining, tennis and an occasional golf game with her family. In her younger years, Paula was involved with the club activities. She was on the organizing committee that created the daily activities for wives of the PGA golfers during the tournament week for the Colonial National Invitation. Later she was found socializing while dining with her family at Colonial right up to the day of her illness. Her memberships also included the Junior Woman's Club of Fort Worth and Canwick Club. Paula was always involved deeply in her children's lives and was quick to give advice and support if asked. She was an incredible neighbor and would provide a weekend party for her friends and family at a moment's notice. Her cooking was a local treat for her many longtime friends. She had a signature fashion style that preceded her and was known for her lively conversation. A true lover of all animals, Paula was responsible for the rescue and placement of many homeless animals. She constantly followed up her fostered friends that were placed in permanent homes. She will be missed by her family and friends but is now with Al and pets in heaven. Survivors: In addition to her sons, Kirk Kilgore and Terry Kilgore and his wife, Heather, Paula is survived by her granddaughters, Kathryn, Mary Margaret and Olivia Kilgore, all of Fort Worth; nieces and nephews and their families; and Ginger Lawhon with whom Paula shared a special relationship over her lifetime. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mrs. PAULA JEAN SHYTLES KILGORE please visit our Sympathy Store.