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In memory of
Paula Girven
January 12, 1958 - October 17, 2020
Jan 12, 1958 - Oct 17, 2020
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a contribution to Paula Girven Legacy - Family Fund
$10,000
goal
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Background
My mother, Paula Girven, was a two-time Olympic high-jumper, qualifying for both the 1976 & 1980 teams. She still holds numerous records in her home state of Virginia, and she was the first African-American woman to receive an athletic scholarship to the University of Maryland. It’s on record: my mother was an amazing woman - tenacious, poised, and elegant.
But as my mother’s daughter, I got to experience the woman who wrapped me in warm blankets fresh from the dryer. She baked me banana bread when I was sick. She made exercise and movement a joy in our household, while simultaneously never pushing me to follow in her footsteps. She loved Chanel No. 5, and pink roses, and pearls. Christmas decorations and fat-cheeked babies. Organization and order, but also spontaneity. Sign-language. Hospitality. Giving to those in need. Being a world-class personal trainer to those seeking more strength, flexibility, and power in their lives.
In July 2019, our mom was diagnosed with advanced cancer. After 15 months of struggle, she passed peacefully in her sleep, near family, in mid-October.
During these pandemic times, we'll be holding an online memorial as soon as possible for all the lives my mom touched: friends and co-workers from her many lives as athlete, trainer, colleague, fellow worshiper, and all-around spreader of kindness. We'll let you know when this is taking place and how you can participate.
Our mother lived frugally and had minimal debt, but there are still funeral and end-of-life expenses that need to be attended to. We know our mother touched so many lives. If you're able to contribute to these expenses, we'd greatly appreciate it.
But as my mother’s daughter, I got to experience the woman who wrapped me in warm blankets fresh from the dryer. She baked me banana bread when I was sick. She made exercise and movement a joy in our household, while simultaneously never pushing me to follow in her footsteps. She loved Chanel No. 5, and pink roses, and pearls. Christmas decorations and fat-cheeked babies. Organization and order, but also spontaneity. Sign-language. Hospitality. Giving to those in need. Being a world-class personal trainer to those seeking more strength, flexibility, and power in their lives.
In July 2019, our mom was diagnosed with advanced cancer. After 15 months of struggle, she passed peacefully in her sleep, near family, in mid-October.
During these pandemic times, we'll be holding an online memorial as soon as possible for all the lives my mom touched: friends and co-workers from her many lives as athlete, trainer, colleague, fellow worshiper, and all-around spreader of kindness. We'll let you know when this is taking place and how you can participate.
Our mother lived frugally and had minimal debt, but there are still funeral and end-of-life expenses that need to be attended to. We know our mother touched so many lives. If you're able to contribute to these expenses, we'd greatly appreciate it.
Funds are being collected and disbursed by Jasmin Morrell, Paula's daughter.
Recent contributions
Anonymous
$10.00
Dec. 27, 2020, 4:19 p.m. PST
Anonymous
$100.00
Dec. 8, 2020, 1:52 a.m. PST
Leiana Leavy
$50.00
Dec. 2, 2020, 6:11 p.m. PST
Anonymous
$50.00
Dec. 1, 2020, 4:39 a.m. PST
Chad Miller
$20.00
Nov. 25, 2020, 3:25 a.m. PST
Sharlene Wall
$100.00
Nov. 21, 2020, 9:05 a.m. PST
Phyllis Burrell
$50.00
Nov. 19, 2020, 7:01 p.m. PST
Anonymous
$100.00
Nov. 16, 2020, 8:50 a.m. PST
Niki Gilbert
$40.00
Nov. 15, 2020, 11:41 a.m. PST
K. Ennett
$200.00
Nov. 11, 2020, 6:15 p.m. PST
Brian Bush
$50.00
Nov. 10, 2020, 6:16 p.m. PST
Tracy Green
$100.00
Nov. 10, 2020, 5:18 p.m. PST
Hans & Davi Stein
$50.00
Nov. 9, 2020, 8:32 a.m. PST
Raymond Tademy, Ph.D.
$250.00
Nov. 9, 2020, 6:37 a.m. PST
Tara Hagood Lamberth
$25.00
Nov. 8, 2020, 7:49 p.m. PST
Maeion Bryant
$50.00
Nov. 8, 2020, 4:39 p.m. PST
Gail Allen
$36.00
Nov. 7, 2020, 6:26 p.m. PST
Margaret Eckles-Ray
$50.00
Nov. 7, 2020, 6:01 a.m. PST
Denise Taylor - Laguer
$100.00
Nov. 7, 2020, 5:57 a.m. PST
Karen Griffin
$150.00
Nov. 6, 2020, 11:45 a.m. PST
Monica Lawrence Hogans
$50.00
Nov. 6, 2020, 11:31 a.m. PST
Sujata Katikala
$100.00
Nov. 6, 2020, 9:39 a.m. PST
Anonymous
$50.00
Nov. 6, 2020, 6:18 a.m. PST
Anonymous
$100.00
Nov. 5, 2020, 5:57 p.m. PST
Arlene Segovia
$100.00
Nov. 5, 2020, 3:49 p.m. PST
Frank Costello
$100.00
Nov. 5, 2020, 3:38 p.m. PST
Jalene Chase
$75.00
Nov. 5, 2020, 1:29 p.m. PST
Marisa
$30.00
Nov. 5, 2020, 12:52 p.m. PST
Ann Higbee
$50.00
Nov. 5, 2020, 12:09 p.m. PST
Doug Friess
$100.00
Nov. 5, 2020, 12:07 p.m. PST
Teresa Jackson
$40.00
Nov. 5, 2020, 11:05 a.m. PST
Darnell Simmons
$50.00
Nov. 5, 2020, 10:45 a.m. PST
Ellen Sherlock Endicott
$100.00
Nov. 5, 2020, 9:36 a.m. PST
Cathy Moreland
$50.00
Nov. 4, 2020, 7:09 p.m. PST
Anonymous
$250.00
Nov. 4, 2020, 5:30 p.m. PST
Judy McFarland
$210.00
Nov. 4, 2020, 4:41 p.m. PST
Sue Brown
$100.00
Nov. 4, 2020, 9:10 a.m. PST
Mary Diaz
$25.00
Nov. 4, 2020, 7:31 a.m. PST
Barb Owens
$100.00
Nov. 4, 2020, 4:02 a.m. PST
Randall Basinger
$100.00
Nov. 2, 2020, 8:04 a.m. PST
Angeli Kirk
$30.00
Oct. 30, 2020, 10:35 p.m. PDT
Jim Henderson
$50.00
Oct. 30, 2020, 8:17 p.m. PDT
Anonymous
$10.00
Oct. 30, 2020, 11:49 a.m. PDT
Shirley Hayden
$200.00
Oct. 30, 2020, 5:51 a.m. PDT
Katherine Wilson
$50.00
Oct. 29, 2020, 10:10 p.m. PDT
Jason Sager
$140.00
Oct. 29, 2020, 3:24 p.m. PDT
The Weiks
$100.00
Oct. 29, 2020, 11:50 a.m. PDT
Douglasville Vineyard Church
$100.00
Oct. 29, 2020, 10:34 a.m. PDT
Alexander John Shaia
$50.00
Oct. 29, 2020, 9:55 a.m. PDT
Anonymous
$40.00
Oct. 29, 2020, 8:49 a.m. PDT
Anonymous
$20.00
Oct. 29, 2020, 6:45 a.m. PDT
Anonymous
$20.00
Oct. 29, 2020, 6:41 a.m. PDT
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Memories & condolences
One winter night we went with Paula & a group of friends to Centennial Park to ice skate. We decided not to skate,…
One winter night we went with Paula & a group of friends to Centennial Park to ice skate. We decided not to skate,…
Paula was the fresh face of joy every time I saw her. She encouraged others in word as well as deed. We laughed over mo…
I am so sorry to hear of Paula's passing. I didn't know her personally, just that she was one of the famed O…
Created with love by
Jasmin Morrell (Paula's daughter).
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