Paula Jean Moore Teel

Paula Jean Moore Teel fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. For 19 years, she faced each day with strength and determination, never losing sight of how precious life was. Paula passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on April 20, 2026, at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas.

Paula was born in Monahans, Texas, in 1952 to Hardy Bruce “Jack” Moore and Maxine Ruth Moore. Jack and Maxine were devoted parents who raised Paula and her sister, Linda Faye Moore Hanson, in a loving Christian home. Paula attended Monahans High School, where she made history as the first female drummer in the school band. She later attended the University of North Texas in Denton, and completed her degree at The University of the Permian Basin later in life after raising her children.

Paula began her teaching career in 1988 in MISD and later continued in Odessa, Texas, finishing her career at Odessa High School. She was widely known as “the science teacher” and had a deep passion for geology, astronomy, biology, and all things science. In 2007, she was granted early retirement following her initial diagnosis of brain cancer.

Paula met the love of her life, Dewey Lynn Teel, and they were married on April 6, 1996. They met through a singles class at Golf Course Church of Christ in Midland, Texas. Dewey was her rock, stepping into her life and lovingly embracing her children and grandchildren as his own. For 30 years, he faithfully cared for Paula, and their love for one another never wavered.

Paula is survived by her three children: Alenda Bess Battreall and husband Dale Battreall of Odessa, Texas; Casey Jones and wife Erika Jones of New Braunfels, Texas; and Vanessa Grigry of Weatherford, Texas. Paula loved her children deeply and took great pride in introducing them to the residence at Madison Medical Resort.

Her pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Alyssa Jones and husband Trenton Jones of Midland, Texas, along with their daughters, Millie Jones and Maeve Jones; Alyson Battreall of McKenzie, Tennessee; Jack Jones and Casey John Jones of New Braunfels, Texas; and Austin Grigry and his wife Krista Grigiry of Weatherford, Texas, along with his children, Gavin Grigry and Emelia Grigry. Nothing brought her greater happiness than time spent with her family, and she especially enjoyed shopping for her grandchildren.

Paula will be remembered for her feisty spirit, her resilience, and her determination to never give up, no matter what life placed before her. She had a special way of knowing exactly where to shop for the best deals, and her loved ones will always cherish those memories. She was a devoted mother, daughter, wife, and grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Maxine and Jack Moore; her sister, Linda Faye Moore Hanson; and her nephew, Michael Hanson.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 24, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM and a Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, 1:oo PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home with Reverend Dr. Jimmy Braswell officiating.