Paula Kerr Horabin

In Loving Memory of Paula Kerr Horabin

March 7, 1946 – April 8, 2026

Paula Kerr Horabin passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026. She was 80 years old.

Born on March 7, 1946, Paula was raised in Oklahoma City. She graduated from Northeast High School in 1964 and went on to study fashion design at the University of Oklahoma, where she joined the Chi Omega sorority. Paula cherished her time at OU and the friends she made while there.

One of her crowning achievements was her bookstore. Paula turned her passion for storytelling and community into a career as the owner of The Storybook Station – a children’s bookstore in Oklahoma City. Through her shop, she shared the magic of reading, fostering a love for literature in generations of children.

When she wasn’t at the bookstore, Paula could most often be found in Crested Butte, Colorado. The mountains were her sanctuary, and she spent many happy years soaking in the fresh air, the wildflowers, and the rugged beauty of the high country. Crested Butte always held a special piece of her heart.

Probably her greatest source of pride was her family. She was a devoted mother to her three children and absolutely adored her six grandchildren, all of whom inherited her spark for life. Paula had a wide circle of lifelong companions whom she loved like family. Those friendships and time with her friends meant everything to her.

A hemorrhagic stroke in 2012 left her with permanent paralysis on her entire left side. She spent the last nearly 14 years of her life confined to a wheelchair. Many simple things became hard or impossible. Paula faced numerous challenges in these last years, but there were also so many gifts. She got to know each of her 6 grandchildren. With the help of her sister and her friends, she traveled back to Crested Butte several times. She got 14 extra years with those who loved her, and they are so grateful for it.

Paula is preceded in death by her father, Paul Kerr, and her mother, Ann Kerr. She is survived by her sister Donna Hancock of New Braunfels TX, her children Deborah Nicosia of New Braunfels, Chris Horabin of Dallas, Amy Allen of New Braunfels, niece Hillary Sherwood of Mission, SD, and her grandchildren, Campbell Horabin, Kinley Horabin, Alex Allen, Noah Nicosia, Luke Allen, and Connor Horabin. She was blessed with a big circle of lifelong dear friends whom she considered family.

She leaves behind a world that is a little less bright without her, but far richer for having had her in it.

Service Information:

A celebration of Paula’s life will be held this summer in Crested Butte, CO. The service will be live-streamed so that everyone can join. Details to follow. If you are so moved, donations can be made in her name to Hope Hospice of New Braunfels or to the World Literacy Foundation.