Paula DeAnne Bishop

Paula Deanne Bishop, 45, of Cartersville, GA, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11th , surrounded by her family and her three beloved dogs—Heidi, Olive, and HoHo.

Born April 11, 1980, in Portland, Oregon, Paula moved to North Carolina with her family at the age of two. She graduated from UNC Charlotte with a degree in architecture and began her career in Washington, D.C., where she worked for three years before moving to Atlanta. There, after successfully working with residential homebuilders, she founded Gray Pup Designs, her own architectural design firm. Through her work, Paula helped countless families create their dream homes—spaces that reflected their lives, values, and joy. Her taste and style, building both functional and inviting spaces, was unmatched.

Paula’s life was filled with adventure and generosity. She had an extraordinary sense of curiosity and a love of travel—whether sneaking away for purse shopping in Paris, exploring the wild beauty of Montana, or joining a spur-of-the-moment getaway with friends. Fiercely loyal and refreshingly direct, she was known for her warmth, humor, and her gift for making each person in her life feel deeply seen.

In her final days and weeks, Paula wanted to express her heartfelt appreciation to her dearest friends and family who had taken such great care of her. Her friends Courtney Bugler and Janice Weaver made her feel like she was their highest priority and were take-charge friends despite living incredibly busy lives. Kate Roland, who was the calm and steady light during many sleepovers when Paula and her dogs needed endless care. Emma Johnson, who took care of Paula’s home and her animals without a second thought. And last but never least, her best friend, Chau Wall—offering sarcasm and love and everything in between, while raising two children and running a business—was a constant, steady friend through the past days but also the past 15 years.

She leaves behind a legacy of friendship, creativity, and the quiet, steadfast courage she carried through her life. She is survived by her mother, Marti Bishop; brother Clint Bishop and his partner Susan Sherlin; niece Ava Bishop; and many beloved friends she considered chosen family. She was preceded in death by her father, Dean Bishop.

A celebration of Paula’s life will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Cartersville, GA. Following the service, friends and family are invited to gather for “Paula’s after party” at Maine Street Coastal Cuisine, a lively reception with a great bar, shared stories, and the kind of laughter she always encouraged. In her words: “No sad faces, please.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:- Atlanta Weimaraner Club Rescue – https://www.atlantalovesweims.org- Casting for Recovery – https://castingforrecovery.org

Paula lived boldly, loved deeply, and worked tirelessly to make the world—whether through the spaces she designed or the friendships she nurtured—a more beautiful, joyful place. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.