Obituary
Paula Diane (Johannigmeier) Eden passed away on February 3, 2024. She was born on June 13, 1963, to Truman and Janice (Bowles) Johannigmeier in Butler, Missouri.
She grew up in Lee’s Summit, MO, where she graduated from Lee’s Summit High School in 1981. She attended Central Missouri State University, where she was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. While her first stint in academia would go unfinished, she later fondly recalled the purely-academic rigor with which she engaged in extracurricular social activities.
She later returned to school, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1992, and a master’s degree in teaching from Webster University in 2004.
Becoming a teacher was the fulfillment of a childhood dream. Her students will remember her for the endearing nicknames she gave them, the random outbursts of singing and dancing, and her ability to fill the roles of a mom-away-from-home or a friend, if ever they needed it. Many students stayed in touch long after graduation.
She has two magnificent, brilliant, and devilishly handsome sons; in both of whom she instilled a rock-solid sense of confidence, sarcasm, and humor: Alexander Pierce Eden, 32, a software engineer; and Austin Paul Eden, 30, a tax accountant. In motherhood Paula found her purpose in life. The embodiment of unwavering, unconditional love. She told them at least once a day how much she loves them and how proud of them she is.
She is survived by her sons, sister, nieces, nephews, and many cousins. They’ll remember her fondly as a warm, fun-loving person. To have known Paula is to know joy. Her energy, positivity, wit, and humor were truly unmatched.
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Alex and Austin you are in my prayers for comfort in this heartbreaking phase of your lives. My heart is broken too. I loved your Momma and have so many memories of all the fun we had together. She was a precious, precious person and she will be missed terribly.
I had the pleasure of working with this beautiful soul many years ago. She was always full of energy and brought so much laughter and joy when she was around
My condolences to Paula’s family
I am so sorry to hear about Paula’s passing. She was the teacher of both my girls & we dearly loved her. I also had the priviliage of working with her mother & sister at John Knox Home Health. Our deepest sympathy to her family.
What a bright light she was as a teacher at Lone Jack Elementary! I’ll always remember that huge welcoming smile of hers. So sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your families loss, Paula was such a blessing to be around. Enjoyed working with her as well as the bright light she was as a teacher for our children. Paula had a very special gift inside and out of the classroom.
Prayers for you all.
I had the privilege of having Ms Eden as my teacher. She was a one-of-a-kind teacher that shared her love and compassion with all her students. She made me love the 5th grade and will forever be one of my favorite teachers. My deepest condolences to her family and boys.
I am so sorry for your loss Alex and Austin. Your Mom was such a funny and bright light down our hallway at Lone Jack Elementary. If there was roaring laughter outside my door in the 5th/6th grade hall you can guarantee Paula was the center and most likely the cause of it. She was also such a help to me during a very difficult time in my life and I will be forever grateful for her listening ear. Praying for the two of you, and please know that when ever she spoke of you, you could hear and see how she was so very, very proud of you both.
Alex and Austin:
I am truly devastated and heartbroken over your mom’s passing. She brought so much joy wherever she went. We were Alpha Gam’s together at CMSU so I got to see her dedication to extracurricular social activities firsthand. (Yes, there are pictures – and they are hilarious.) Every single day, she would return to the sorority house and proclaim at the top of her lungs ‘hi honey, I’m home’ to the 20 or so people lounging around. Whenever I think of that or her, I usually laugh out loud. Many of us are reaching out and sharing our memories. The joy she brought will never leave us. I hope knowing how many people loved her — and smile at the mention of her name — will help comfort you when you are missing her.
Kelly Hartnett
Paula was an exceptional mother, teacher and person. I regret not having known her better. Although she will be greatly missed by her family and friends it’s comforting to know that she is relieved of her physical and mental disabilities. And it’s so good to know what a huge impact she had on Alex and Austin. She leaves a great legacy and will be missed.
My sincere sympathies go out to Alex and Austin, as well as the rest of the family. I worked with Paula and Lone Jack for several years. Everything that was printed in her obituary is completely true. She loved her students so much and they loved her. Paula was a kind person and, if you said that you liked her bracelet or her necklace, be careful because she might end up giving it to you. It’s been several years since I was able to spend time with Paula but I remember her exactly the way she’s been described. There were many times we couldn’t sit near each other in a staff meeting because she would do something and we would start laughing and giggling, even if we didn’t sit beside each other and we sat across the room from each other, she’d still find a way to get my attention and make me laugh. Paula will be missed so much as she was loved so much.
I had the privilege to teach with Paula in Lone Jack. She was an incredible educator. Praying for comfort for your family. Hold on to the memories.
I don’t remember life without my friend Paula Jo ! Five decades at least and it still isn’t enough. Every life she touched was a lucky soul. I feel honored that she wanted me as a bestie – we laughed till we cried more times then I can count. I have a feeling there is more love and laughter in heaven then ever before. I miss you my friend 🩷
Beautifully Written…I so miss my dear friend..no more discomfort.. She’s singing and celebrating in heaven. 🎶 Love you Paula Bunyan from Buckford. 🥰 🫂.
Our memories begin very early when
we visited Janice and Truman before we were married. Paula sat beside me on the couch and we read stories and laughed.
Paula was our little flower girl in our wedding over 54 years ago and she took her task very seriously! She lived with us her senior year of high school since her parents had to move to Clinton, Mo for their business.
Days and evenings spent around the pool laughing and singing!
Miss and love you our little Paula Jo!
Many prayers for you boys! I worked with your mom at East Lynne. We became fast friends when you boys were little! When we each moved to new jobs we lost touch. I looked for your mom here on Facebook many times. I had no idea she was not well. Many prayers as you navigate this life without her. ❤️
So sorry for your loss !
Alex and Austin, you are in my thoughts and prayers today. Your mom was such a bright light in our family! Everyone was drawn to her quick wit and engaging personality. Our shared love of teaching made me feel especially close to her. Do you remember that Flat Stanley video I made for one of you when you were in 2nd grade? I think that was in the Bulls/Michael Jordan glory days, and I remember your mom telling me how excited you were to show it to your classroom. Your mother was a beautiful soul, inside and out, and will be missed deeply by many!
Paula, you and your beautiful soul left us too early. It broke my heart to hear of your passing. I will always remember what a happy, positive person you were. I know that you are now resting in peace woth no more pain or suffering. With much love and fond memories, your Aunt Carolyn.
My condolences to the family. Paula was such a lively and joyful person. My earliest memory of Paula was playing at her house on Main Street in Lee’s Summit. She told me that there were trolls living under the little wooden bridge that was across the creek in the large back yard. And so the adventures began! We attended school together from preschool, elementary, middle/high school and then college at CMSU where she was always so much fun, but also so very kind. While living in the dorm, she included everyone, no matter their background, and showed us all how to get past social and ethnic barriers with her wit and smile. May her memories bring you comfort knowing the joy that she brought to so many of us.