Paula Sue Wingo, 91, passed from this life on Sunday, February 15, 2026. She was born on April 22, 1934, in Jenks, Oklahoma, to Paul and Juanita (Moberly) Higginbotham. Her family later moved to Oklahoma City, where she resided for the remainder of her life.

Paula attended Stanley Elementary, Jackson Junior High, and graduated from Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City. She loved singing and was blessed with a beautiful alto voice. She sang in a quartet, joyfully performing her favorite gospel songs with her sister, Margie and her first husband Jim Keener. Jim and Paula had four children, Jimmy, Pam, Trinette, and Cindy.

In 1969, Paula married Jiggs Wingo, and together they made their home in Harrah, Oklahoma, where they enjoyed their 10 acres filled with assorted farm animals and a bountiful garden. Paula lovingly canned the fruits of her labor and delighted family and friends with her blue-ribbon-worthy fried okra and many other dishes. Among her most requested recipes were homemade chicken noodles and peach cobbler made with her own homemade pie crust.

She worked as a bookkeeper for Capitol Well Servicing and Oklahoma Tank, where she worked alongside her brother, Bill Higginbotham, helping ensure everyone was taken care of and paid on time.

Paula had a competitive spirit and enjoyed playing games such as Farkel and Chicken Foot. She was also an enthusiastic fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder, especially when they won the NBA title. One of her “best days ever” was attending a Thunder game and sitting courtside — a memory she cherished.

A devoted member of Southern Hills Church of God, Paula’s faith was a central part of her life. Her parents were charter members of one of the first Church of God congregations in the state, and Paula grew up just a few doors from the original church building.

Above all, Paula treasured her family. She especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jiggs Wingo; her daughter, Pamela Sue Caraway; and her grandson, Mark Wingo.

She leaves behind cherished memories with her sons, Larry Wingo and wife Beri; Jimmy Keener and wife Debbie; and Paul Wingo; her daughters, Trinette Johnson and husband Lynn; Cynthia Rodgers; and Janet Price and husband Stanley; and her son-in-law, Mike Caraway.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brad Wingo; Kim Dyer and husband Greg; Richard Wolfe and wife Judy; Robin Iman; Tammy Vice; Kai Kahn and husband Uri, and Lilliam Notley; Kevin Keener and wife Michelle; Kelli Cumming and husband Brett; Paul Caraway and wife Stephanie; Josh Caraway and wife Kellie; Jacob Caraway and wife Sarah; Gabriel Johnson and wife Melissa; Jesse Johnson and wife Sarah; Emily Johnson; Caleb Rodgers and wife Elizabeth; Candace Rodgers; Micah Rodgers and wife Raven; Anna Ball; Kelsey Rollet and husband Tim; Luke Rodgers and wife Roxie.

Paula was further blessed with over 40 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, and many other beloved family members and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.

Her legacy of faith will live on in the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come.