Paula Katherine Whitacre

Paula Katherine Whitacre (Karam), 77, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on May 26, 2026.

Paula was born on September 21, 1948, in Akron to Joseph and Katherine Karam. She grew up in Firestone Park, attending St. Paul's Elementary School, and later graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1966.

After graduation, Paula began working at the Akron Credit Bureau and then Akron Children's Hospital, the first of two long tenures there that together spanned more than 40 years. In 1987, Paula moved with her husband, Ed, and sons, Shawn and Steven, to Manassas, where she began a 14-year career with Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative and later Freedman's Jewelry. In 2002, Paula returned to Akron to care for her parents and began her second chapter at Akron Children's Hospital, where she worked for another 20 years.

Paula had an extraordinarily strong faith in God and was a devoted member of both St. Joseph Melkite Catholic Church and St. Paul Catholic Church. Paula was also very generous giving annually to a multitude of charities as well as the church.

Paula was a devoted mother and grandmother and brought joy to all who knew her. She loved to laugh and enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. In her spare time, Paula loved to travel and enjoyed countless cruises and trips to Mexico with family and friends.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Katherine Karam; her husband of 27 years, Ed Whitacre; and her brothers, Joseph and George Karam.

She is survived by her sons, Shawn (Deanna) Whitacre of Charlotte, NC and Steven Whitacre of Akron; her brother, David Karam (Marsha) of Nevis, MN; her grandson, Brice Chillemi of Charlotte, NC; and a host of beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Anthony Funeral Home, located at 1990 S. Main St in Akron.

A second visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church on Brown Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery.