Paula Ann Mercurius-Taylor
Obituary
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we, the family of Paula Ann Mercurius-Taylor, announce her peaceful passing on Wednesday 21st May 2025, aged 79.
Those who knew Paula were endeared by her warmth and kindness. She had a way of making everyone feel seen and heard, whether it was through a thoughtful conversation or her gentle humour. Paula’s generosity of spirit and deep love, especially for her family and close friends, has left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her presence brought comfort, and her absence leaves a quiet space that words cannot fully fill.
Paula is survived by her two daughters, Lauren & Ariane, grandchildren Nia, Messiah & Robyn, siblings Lennox, Oral, Richard, Curtis, Ronald, Aubrey, Gwenette, Margaret, Nola, Beckie, Lynette, seven nieces, eight nephews and multiple cousins worldwide.
Predeceased by loving husband Michael "Jimmy" James and siblings Steve and Eddie.
We all mourn the loss of this beautiful soul as we celebrate her fulfilled and impactful life.
She will be deeply missed.
We welcome you to share your memories with us.
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June 13, 2025
Dear Paula May you rest in heaven in peace. You left this world way too soon but in your journey in heaven I am sure you are still continue your path as a wonderful strong individual who made a difference in so many peoples’ lives. You are sorely missed and I’ll miss our conversations putting the world right. Sending love to you all on such a sad day. God bless 🙏🏽🙏🏽
June 12, 2025
Our heartfelt sympathy go out to Lauren and Ariana on the loss of their Mom. As one of her classmates I recall the fun time we shared with her and your dad when we were in London for the International BHS reunion. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time.
June 11, 2025
My sister Paula was loving caring responsible person.She made sure Her husband kept intouch with His mother and other over sea relatives.Her children had to be first in education. I will miss Her/Sis ❤️
June 7, 2025
I met Paula about 4 years ago. She brought her late husband Jimmy James to join our choir, (HCGC) Harrow Community Gospel Choir. It wasn’t until we started speaking that I realised that we had a stronger link.
Paula grew up in Guyana and lived across the road from my cousin, Colin Bobb-Semple!
It’s a small world.
Colin passed away in May 2022, Jimmy passed away in May 2024 and Paula passed away in May 2025. It’s a coincidence but I hope they are all together now in perfect peace🙏🏾
Paula was always gracious and kind and she left a lasting impression on me. She was such a beautiful soul.
She is at peace now and is resting with her beloved husband and childhood friend, Amen.
Paula grew up in Guyana and lived across the road from my cousin, Colin Bobb-Semple!
It’s a small world.
Colin passed away in May 2022, Jimmy passed away in May 2024 and Paula passed away in May 2025. It’s a coincidence but I hope they are all together now in perfect peace🙏🏾
Paula was always gracious and kind and she left a lasting impression on me. She was such a beautiful soul.
She is at peace now and is resting with her beloved husband and childhood friend, Amen.
June 6, 2025
Paula and I knew each other since the 1960s. We met through my husband, who served in the army alongside some of Paula’s friends. In those early years, we were all young, navigating the realities of life as Black people in London—experiencing struggles, but somehow finding solace in our friendship.
There were three of us who were particularly close: Paula, our friend Barbara, and myself. When we were young and living near each other, we would often socialize, sharing what little we had with one another. Those are memories I still cherish.
As the years passed and the demands of life took over, we didn’t manage to see each other as often as we would have liked. Yet, the bond between Paula and me was never broken.
Paula was a kind, generous, and warm person—someone I am privileged to have known and to have called my friend. I will miss her deeply, but I will always treasure the memories of our lifelong friendship.
My heartfelt condolences to your family. May you rest in peace, dear friend.
Viveen
June 4, 2025
For Lauren, Ariane and all Paula’s family:
We hadn’t seen Paula since school.
We met her in London at various events like the annual BHS Carol Service
she organised, with you girls in tow, wow was she proud of you!
Here she is with some of us at the High Commission, in reverse order:
Paula, Brenda (Lowe) Hooper, Frances Shepherd + Rosemary (Lewis) Wels.
All Bishops’ girls! The BHS zoom group were glad to see Paula one last time,
eager to communicate despite being so unwell, and that you girls could join
the programme dedicated to her.
So warm, so larger than life, so lovely!
Rosemary and Frances
We hadn’t seen Paula since school.
We met her in London at various events like the annual BHS Carol Service
she organised, with you girls in tow, wow was she proud of you!
Here she is with some of us at the High Commission, in reverse order:
Paula, Brenda (Lowe) Hooper, Frances Shepherd + Rosemary (Lewis) Wels.
All Bishops’ girls! The BHS zoom group were glad to see Paula one last time,
eager to communicate despite being so unwell, and that you girls could join
the programme dedicated to her.
So warm, so larger than life, so lovely!
Rosemary and Frances
June 2, 2025
I am very sad to hear of the passing of my friend and "unofficial Aunt" Paula. I was struck by her warmth, clarity and wisdom. One of the few people to be able to directly contextualize my heritage. Helpful, knowledgable and kind. A wonderful person I will miss talking with. Thank you Paula.
May 31, 2025
Dear Lauren and Ariane, I cannot believe that I am sending condolences to you so soon after your Dad's passing. A bright and beautiful light has been extinguished from around us. Who could ever forget that beautiful smile of hers together with her grace and charm. Rest in Heavenly Peace 🙏🏽
God Bless
God Bless
May 31, 2025
Dear Paula
You was an amazing lady ❤️
When growing up with Me and Denise and Jennifer coming to London for our 6 weeks school holiday's spending it with yourself and my dad and Lauren you treated us all the same, just like we were your daughters too. And I will never forget that. You were such a kind 😇 and loving person, nothing was ever too much ♥️
You will be missed 😢 Rest in peace 🙏
You was an amazing lady ❤️
When growing up with Me and Denise and Jennifer coming to London for our 6 weeks school holiday's spending it with yourself and my dad and Lauren you treated us all the same, just like we were your daughters too. And I will never forget that. You were such a kind 😇 and loving person, nothing was ever too much ♥️
You will be missed 😢 Rest in peace 🙏
May 31, 2025
I cannot believe I am writing this and so soon after losing Jimmy. We have known Paula for many, many years. She and Jimmy were always there to share our life’s milestones, our 25th, 40th and 50th wedding anniversaries and other special occasions. I will always remember her infectious giggle. Gone but not forgotten.
May 30, 2025
Lauren Sweetheart🫶🏾
Thank you so much for reaching out to let me know about your Mum’s sad passing 💔 Paula was wonderful, caring, fun to be around and a Phenomenal Role Model to Her Children and Many Others, as You May Know 😍👌🏾
Paula, My Friend RIEP 🙏🏾💔
Waveney L.
Thank you so much for reaching out to let me know about your Mum’s sad passing 💔 Paula was wonderful, caring, fun to be around and a Phenomenal Role Model to Her Children and Many Others, as You May Know 😍👌🏾
Paula, My Friend RIEP 🙏🏾💔
Waveney L.
May 30, 2025
Dear Paula, may you rest in peace. You will always remain in my memory . You have been a wonderful blessed friend for many years, sharing good memories together.
One memory I have to share is so funny.
We spent a weekend in Belgium on a Floristry course, snd we shared a hotel room together.
In the morning having breakfast together, we had great laughs expressing one another’s sleeping concerns during the night. She kept me up all night and I kept her up all night as well, as we both discovered we were big snorers.!!! We were great laughs all day long.
Thank you, Paula for being such a wonderful friend and such a wonderful person in my life.
God Bless you dear friend. 🙏🙏🙏
One memory I have to share is so funny.
We spent a weekend in Belgium on a Floristry course, snd we shared a hotel room together.
In the morning having breakfast together, we had great laughs expressing one another’s sleeping concerns during the night. She kept me up all night and I kept her up all night as well, as we both discovered we were big snorers.!!! We were great laughs all day long.
Thank you, Paula for being such a wonderful friend and such a wonderful person in my life.
God Bless you dear friend. 🙏🙏🙏
May 29, 2025
It is with a heavy heart that I have to be writing tribute to my dear Sister in law.We only just laid her husband to rest one year ago . Now I have two people to cry for she will always be in my heart.Sleep on my sister you’ll be dearly missed.
May 29, 2025
Aunty I remember asking Uncle to Kiss you on the Forehead, then I would add my little joke no tongue please!! that's not a kiss from a niece .lolol you will surly be missed lovefrom family thompson..
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