On Wednesday, July 24, 2019, Paula Costello Brown 71 of Bessemer passed away gracefully, in the same manner, she lived her life. She was surrounded by much of her loving family, with sounds of her grandchildren playing together in the background in Black Mountain, NC. Paula was the first of 7 daughters born to Jack and Carmela Costello on November 16, 1947. On December 21, 1968, Paula married her soulmate, Bud Brown and they raised two sons, Jay and Chris. Paula was a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for more than 3 decades, after receiving her Master’s Degree from UAB. It was always more than a “job”’- it was her life’s passion. She was their voice, the perfect advocate when they were silent and alone. The counseling field provided the perfect venue to help so many children and adults navigate through rough times, to help them see their self-worth, to explore their God-given talents, and especially to experience love through Paula’s connection with them. The power of connecting to another human being was Paula’s goal in all her relationships. Paula had other passions-travel, cooking, writing, movies, singing, and music, always music. Her two sons and four grandchildren were the light of her life. Paula was anticipating the birth of her 5th grandchild, due in September.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Carmela (Schillaci) Costello, a nephew, Jack Gardner, and her sister-in-law, Nancy Brown. She is survived by Bud, her husband of 50 years, sons Jay (Aditi) and Chris (Sara), grandchildren Macgyver, Porter, Sahana and Avi, her six sisters, Diane, Norma, Mary (Bob), Jacqueline, Lisa (Rich), and Veronica (Todd), brother-in-laws, Grayson and Keith (Ginni), sister-in-law, Jean, numerous nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Paula, and so many loving friends.

Paula was laid to rest at a beautiful ceremony on July 26, 2019, at Carolina Memorial Sanctuary in Asheville, NC. A memorial service for Paula will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 4600 Preserve Pkwy in Hoover, on August 10th. The family will welcome visitors, beginning at 9 am, followed by a funeral mass at 10 am. After the service, please join the family in Deasy Hall to celebrate the life and love of Paula.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a contribution to First Light Women’s Shelter, 2230 4th Avenue N. Birmingham, AL 35203.