Paula Sherrell Gilley

Paula Sherrell "THE Mimi" Gilley (née Pruitt), aged 91, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, in Azle, Texas.

 Born on April 21, 1935, in Lubbock, Texas, Sherrell lived a life defined by resilience, hard work, and an unwavering devotion to her family. Sherrell’s early years showcased her determination and drive for education. She attended Castleberry schools through the eighth grade before continuing her studies at J.P. Elder Technical School in Fort Worth. Graduating early at the age of 17, she began working in accounting and bookkeeping for a local company while furthering her education at the University of Texas at Arlington.

In 1960, Sherrell embarked on a career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after passing the civil service test. Her tenure was briefly interrupted by a hurricane that struck Galveston, prompting personnel changes. Undeterred, she continued to pursue professional success and later joined Convair (now Lockheed Martin), where she skillfully balanced her career with raising her young family. 

In 1969, Sherrell began working at the Azle Post Office, where she dedicated many years of service until her retirement in 1993. Even after retiring, she continued to work part-time preparing taxes for friends, family, and neighbors.Sherrell’s life was deeply centered around her love for family and community. 

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Marvin Gilley; her parents, Virgil Ray Pruitt and Roberta (Boo) Faye Pruitt; her brother, Larry Pruitt; and her son-in-law, Tom "Buck" Rogers. Despite these losses, Sherrell remained a source of strength and love for those around her.

She is survived by her children: Kirk Young and his wife Paula Young; Kim Young Vaughan and her husband, David Vaughan; and Kella Gilley Rippy Rogers. Her cherished grandchildren—Ryon Rippy, Jeremy Young, Krystin Rippy, Kiefer Young, and Kyler Young—and six adored great-grandchildren continue to carry forward her legacy. Sherrell is also survived by her sister Mikell Robinson as well as numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Sherrell’s hobbies reflected a vibrant personality and zest for life. She enjoyed sewing and scrapbooking and could often be found attending countless sporting events within the community. A devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Texas Longhorns and Azle Hornets, she passionately cheered for them—sometimes offering quiet scolding when necessary! 

A lifelong admirer of Elvis Presley as well as gospel and country music, she especially loved hearing her grandson perform at various venues. Her family fondly remembers Sherrell as a woman of quiet grit and unending generosity who always put others before herself. She was deeply committed to ensuring a bright future for her children through education while instilling values of hard work and perseverance from an early age. After raising Kirk, Kim, and Kella with strength and unconditional love—often sprinkled with stubbornness and strong opinions—she turned much of her attention to doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life.“She was the strongest woman we ever knew—she had to be; she raised Kirk, Kim, and Kella!” Her family credits Sherrell with holding them together through thick and thin—even when they were “actively trying to pull each other’s hair out while she was at work.”Strong-willed yet deeply loving; resilient yet endlessly kindhearted—Sherrell leaves behind a legacy built on love, determination, intelligence, hard work, and unconditional care for those around her.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Azleland Memorial Park & Cemetery located at 850 N Cardinal Rd., Azle.

She will be deeply missed by so many, but her legacy of love, kindness, and strength will live on through her family. May Sherrell’s memory bring comfort and peace to all who loved her dearly. Heaven has indeed gained a sweet soul.