I write this in love and respect for one of the finest women I have ever known. We recently lost to breast cancer Paula Girven, a dear, sweet friend and trainer at our Land O’ Lakes studio. She was an amazing woman of God, trainer, friend, mother, sister and Olympian.
I was blessed to start our friendship five years ago when she joined our fitness studio as a master personal trainer. I was so impressed with Paula as an athlete, as she shared her medals from numerous athletic achievements, including as an Olympic high-jumper on the 1976 and 1980 USA teams.
As our relationship grew, I became even more astounded by Paula as a person, for she was an inspirational example of how to care for others.
She loved people and attended every event, seminar and party we held as a fitness family. Paula was fluent in sign language, and every Christmas while I sang “Silent Night” on our Facebook live video, she would sign the words.
Paula truly cared about helping women and inspiring them to do their best. She led by example by being in absolutely amazing physical condition in her 60s.
All who knew Paula are deeply saddened to no longer have her here in physical form. But, one thing we know is that Paula loved Jesus, and that God must have amazing plans for her in Heaven, for her not be here anymore. She will be SO missed, but forever in our hearts.
To honor Paula’s legacy, we are hosting a private Celebration of Life this Saturday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m., at our Land O’ Lakes studio. Because of space limitations, an RSVP is required at SamanthaTaylorFitness.com/events. There is also a link on that page for those who want to donate to help Paula’s family with expenses.
Paula’s legacy will forever carry on in our fitness family. We are committed to sharing the attributes that she so amazingly lived.
One of the attributes I loved best about Paula is that when you talked to her, she made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. So in her memory, remember this the next time you speak with someone. Paula believed that each person matters, and by listening and showing kindness, you never know who you may encourage!
Paula passed away peacefully in Asheville, North Carolina on Oct. 17 at age 62. Born in Virginia, she was devoted to God, a loving mother and grandmother, loyal sister, and friend to many.
In 1976, Paula was the first high school girl in Virginia to jump 6 feet, a record that still stands today. She was one of the first African-American woman athletes to receive a full scholarship to the University of Maryland, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1981, and in 1999, was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. When the Olympic games came to Atlanta in 1996, Paula was honored to be selected as an Olympic torch runner.
She is survived by two daughters, two sisters and five grandchildren. She has left a legacy in her family, her athletic achievements, and here locally in our communities with the many women’s lives she touched. Samantha Taylor Fitness is committed to carrying on Paula’s legacy.
By Samantha Taylor
Published November 11, 2020
