Paula Joanne Wyrick

Paula Joanne Wyrick, 77, passed away Monday, April 22, 2024, at her home in Raleigh, NC. 

Paula was born April 28, 1946, to Jasper Paul Wyrick and Josephine Brinson Wyrick in Winston-Salem, NC. She graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School in 1964, then later studied at UNC- Greensboro. After graduating, she worked for Wachovia Bank. She was involved in the “Young Democrats” and went on to work as executive assistant to former Secretary of Commerce, Lauch Faircloth. Governor Jim Hunt proposed the establishment of an NC Film office. He picked Bill Arnold and Paula to staff the office, and this was the beginning of the NC Film Industry. Paula was the Assistant Director of the NC Film Commission. She helped NC to gain a reputation as a hospitable state for the film industry, with a roll call of hits like “Bull Durham,” “The Color Purple,” “Sleeping with the Enemy,” “Fire Starter,” and “Stroker Ace,” among its credits. The NC film industry created a huge economic impact for the state’s economy. Eleven films were made in NC in 1980. Paula traveled to Cannes Film Festival in France, to promote NC, on numerous occasions. It was in this industry that she truly shined. She eventually retired from the state and enjoyed selling Premier jewelry after retirement. She always had an enormous love for animals. Paula was involved with her local animal shelters and helped on the east coast when so many animals were displaced from destructive hurricanes. 

Paula was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her sister, Brenda Wyrick Redman; niece, Jennifer Redman Ellerbe (Kevin Browning Ellerbe); two grandnephews, Noah Browning Ellerbe, and Aden Browning Ellerbe; and her beloved feline companion, Baby Kitty Raven. Her memory will be cherished by her loving family and all the friends that knew her.

A graveside service will be held 2 pm Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Forsyth Memorial Park 3771 Yadkinville Rd. Winston-Salem, NC 27106 

To honor Paula’s memory, we are holding a celebration of life potluck 12-5 pm, Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Ardmore Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 501 Miller St. Winston-Salem, NC 27103. We invite friends and family to bring their favorite food, to wear a shade of Paula’s favorite color, purple, and to bring a fond memory of Paula. We look forward to celebrating a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Humane Society.