Paula Renea Collie-Dement,

Paula Renea Collie-Dement, of Gonzales, Texas, passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 12, 2026, following a brief battle with an illness in San Antonio, Texas.

Paula was born on December 23, 1971, in Gonzales, Texas, to Paul and Kathy Collie. She was raised in Gonzales and graduated from Gonzales High School. She continued her education at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography.

Paula devoted her life to education and to making a difference in the lives of her students. She spent the first 21 years of her teaching career at Luling ISD. She later transitioned into Special Education, serving students in Luling and Cuero before returning to her alma mater, Gonzales ISD. While with Gonzales ISD, she was very proud to serve as a Life Skills teacher for students in kindergarten through second grade. After 31 years of dedicated service as an educator, Paula retired from Gonzales ISD, leaving behind a lasting legacy through the countless students, families, and colleagues whose lives she touched.

Outside of the classroom, Paula had a special love for animals, enjoyed watching the squirrels in the yard, and treasured watching Mikaylee perform with the band. She was also a devoted Elvis Presley fan. These were just a few of the things that brought her happiness and reflected the unique spirit she shared with those around her.

At the center of Paula's life was her family and the extraordinary love she shared with her husband, Deron. Paula and Deron were truly inseparable. Wherever life took them, they wanted to experience it together. They were not only husband and wife, but best friends, companions, and partners in every sense of the word. They found happiness simply in being together, whether they were celebrating life's important moments or enjoying an ordinary day side by side.

Paula and Deron were each other's true love. Their relationship was built on love, friendship, devotion, and a bond that only grew stronger through the years. To know Paula and Deron was to know how much they loved one another and how rarely you saw one without the other. The life and memories they created together will forever remain a testament to the love they shared.

Paula was also a devoted and loving mother who took tremendous pride in Mikaylee. She treasured watching Mikaylee grow and especially loved being there to watch her perform with the band. Supporting her daughter and sharing in the important moments of her life brought Paula tremendous happiness and pride.

Paula is survived by her loving husband, Deron D. Dement; their daughter, Mikaylee Dement; her stepson, Taylor Mitchell Dement; her mother, Kathy Collie; her brother, Michael Collie, and his wife, Tiffany Ann Collie; and her niece, Lillie Ann Collie.

Paula is also survived by members of Deron's family who were an important part of her life: her brother-in-law, Dan Dement; sister-in-law, Imelda Dement; niece, Kelly Dement; and nephew, David Dement.

She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Collie Jr.; Henry Lee Maulding; Lucy Maulding; Paul Collie; Little Grandma; and her in-laws, Jerry Dale Dement and Diane Mills Dement.

Paula will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former students, colleagues, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her 31 years of dedication to education and the lives she touched throughout her career will remain an enduring part of her legacy. Most of all, Paula will be remembered for the love she gave so freely to those closest to her. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, the love, memories, and life she shared with Deron, Mikaylee, and her family will remain with them forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made in directly to the Gonzales High School Band Apaches Band Booster in Paula's memory.

Private family services will be held at a later date

Friends may sign the guestbook and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul, Gonzales.