Paula Ann Foard Winstead, 76, of Matthews, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025.

Born to Marselene Brooks and C. DeWitt Foard on January 16, 1949, in Chapel Hill, NC, Paula was a woman ahead of her time—bold, creative, and full of determination.

In the early 1980s, she broke barriers as a pioneer for women in business, founding and running a successful commercial interior design firm for more than a decade in Salem, Virginia. She brought a strong vision and an eye for the unexpected to everything she touched.

Paula had a striking sense of style—never without her signature pinky rings—and a love for the unusual, with a particular fondness for gargoyles and modern art. She was not easily categorized, and that was part of her magic.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Wayland Winstead; her daughter, Erica Hart; and her granddaughter, Maya Wilcher, who brought her great joy.

Paula was a mystery in the most beautiful way—elegant and sharp, warm and enigmatic—and those who knew her will never forget her presence.

She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and always loved.

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