Paula Coates Hoer was born Oct. 18, 1941, in Houston, Texas and passed away Nov. 4, 2022, in Alexandria, La. at the age of 81.
She graduated a year early from Livingston High School in Livingston, Texas as class valedictorian. Paula then graduated from Sam Houston State University with two Bachelor’s degrees – one in mathematics and one in chemistry.
She was a teacher for over 40 years and taught in Texas, Florida, and Louisiana.
For over 30 years, Paula taught at Leesville Junior High School. She was an avid LSU fan, and her family was her focus.
Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Norman Adair Coats and Ola Grace Garvey Coats; husband, Joseph Martin Hoer Jr.; children, Alex Burleson and Samantha Hoer Dewey; brother, Jerry Alex Coats; and sisters, Norma Jean Slater and Carolyn Grace Coats.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Russell Burleson (Susan) of Georgetown, Texas; daughter, Paula Josephine “Jozi” Hoer of Leesville, La.; stepson, Joseph M. Hoer III of Virginia.; grandchildren, Joseph Martin Hoer IV, Jennifer Burleson, Bobby Burleson, Angel Hilton, Emily Burleson, Haley Benson, Caleb Dewey, Asher Dewey, Lilly Hoer, Morgan Farmer, and Zach Lazrene; great-grandson, Leon Bridges; and a host of extended family members.
A funeral mass will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Leesville under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Paula’s memory to the Louisiana Lion’s Camp in Anacoco.