Paula Bodner

Paula Elaine Bodner (Royse), 71, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, while holding the hands of her beloved husband and daughter. After a long, courageous battle with numerous illnesses, Paula took her final earthly breath surrounded by love. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now free from pain and walking joyfully in heaven.

Paula was born on January 27, 1954, in Portsmouth, Ohio, and spent the last 40 years of her life in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, a place she proudly called home.

She is reunited in heaven with her parents, Fayetta McAlister Royse and Paul Edwin Royse, and her brothers, Michael Royse and Wayne Royse.

Paula leaves behind a loving family who meant everything to her: her devoted husband, Jack Bodner of Goose Creek; her children, Thomas Bodner and daughter-in-law, Daisy of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Jason Shealey of Manning, South Carolina; and Kimberly and son-in-law, Matthew Caughell of Summerville, South Carolina.

She was the proud and adoring grandmother of Caitlyn Slonaker (Jon), Ashley Neilko (Gabe), William Shealey (Samantha), Chase Howell, Ty Bodner, Cameron Howell, Caleigh Howell, Riley Caughell, Bridget Shealey, Carter Caughell, Tanner Shealey, Annabelle Caughell, and Cooper Caughell, as well as six great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy.

Paula was truly the life of the party - a woman who loved being the center of attention and made no apologies for it. She delighted in giving gifts (even if she could never quite keep them a secret), treasured time spent with her grandchildren, and never turned down a good game or a good laugh. She loved speed and excitement - whether double-riding a roller coaster or living up to her title as a "NASCAR nanny" behind the wheel.

She had a special love for jewelry and "bling," and even more so for sharing it with others. Paula was incredibly funny, fiercely loyal, deeply loving, and known for giving the kind of hugs that made you feel safe and seen. Her presence filled a room, and her absence will be felt just as deeply.

Though her family hoped each day would bring better news and renewed health, they now rest in the peace of knowing that Paula is healed, whole, and joyfully reunited with loved ones who went before her.

Her legacy lives on in the laughter she sparked, the love she gave freely, and the family she cherished above all else.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life at 9:00 AM on Saturday, January 2, 2025 at McAlister-Smith in Goose Creek. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.