Eula “Bea” Hobbs Shoulta, 83, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on December 2, 2025. She was preceded in death by her sons, Randall Aaron Hobbs and Richard “Duane” Hobbs; her husband, Joseph “Donnie” Shoulta; her parents, Charles and Lena Mae Taylor; and her siblings, Everette Taylor, William “Elton” Taylor, and C.B. Taylor.
Bea was born in Fayette, Alabama, the fifth of Charles and Lena Mae’s children. Her family later moved to Chicago, where she met her first husband, Melvin Hobbs, the father of her two sons.
Bea’s sons were the joy of her life, and she and Melvin shared many happy years together. They owned Quality Business Forms in downtown Paducah and spent countless hours supporting their boys’ baseball activities. They also loved their time at the Elks Club and Moose Lodge, where Melvin played in a band.
Later in life, Bea married Joseph “Donnie” Shoulta. They enjoyed a quiet retirement in the St. John area, spending peaceful days watching wildlife in their yard. Bea lovingly cared for Donnie in his final years.
Bea was “Meme” to four grandchildren she adored: Corey Hobbs, Stephanie Hobbs Belt (Tyler), Ashley Paige Hobbs Cavitt, and Aaron Hobbs. Her great-grandchildren brought her even more joy: Kayleigh, Jack, Hunter (Paige), Aiden (Aaron), Iva Grace (Corey), and London Marie (Stephanie).
She was also treasured by many nieces and nephews, all of whom would say there was no Aunt Bea quite like their Aunt Bea. Her gentle spirit, warm home, and unmatched hospitality made everyone feel loved. She always made sure your favorite dish was on the table-no matter how many dishes she had to cook.
Bea was known not only for her kindness, but also for her beauty and style. She dressed with grace, always with her hair and makeup perfectly done. But it was her loving heart that made the greatest impression.
In her final months, Bea lived at Parkview Nursing Home, where she continued to make friends as she always had. The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Parkview, especially Nurse Stephanie, for their compassionate care.
Bea is survived by her siblings: J.B. Taylor (Darlene), Bonnie Taylor (Lu), and Linda Vinson, all of Western Kentucky.
A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home with Rev. Dale Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at the St. John Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until service time of 1:00 p.m. at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home
Expression of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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