Veniva Paul

Veniva peacefully passed away on July 26, 2025, in Fort Worth. She was born on December 7, 1951, to Eric and Vendolyn Thomas in Clarendon, Jamaica.

Veniva’s life was marked by fierce love for her family, unwavering strength, and a sharp wit—you always knew exactly where you stood with her. She was tough when she needed to be, funny without trying, and always unapologetically herself.

A true entrepreneur and visionary, Veniva was ahead of her time with her business, The Jamaican Herbalist. In the late 1980s, she brought natural remedies and herbal wisdom to the Augusta, Georgia community—long before holistic health became mainstream. Her shop served as a sanctuary for those often overlooked by traditional systems, and her generosity toward the underserved left a lasting impact. Her work in the natural medicine space helped plant the idea of self-responsibility for health and well-being.

Veniva was an honorably discharged U.S. Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam conflict as part of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). She later continued her service to others as a public servant in government. In every season of her life, Veniva carried the same grit, grace, and determination—especially when it came to raising her family.

She found joy in the everyday: cooking comfort food, sewing with care, and tending to her beloved garden, where each herb and plant reflected the same nurturing spirit she gave to those she loved.

Those blessed to carry her memory forward include her daughter, Alvinev “Yorrelle” Paul and her husband Rick; son, Kamel Paul and his wife Charlene; step-son, Kevin Williams; and her treasured grandchildren, Elijah, Andrew, Elisa, Enoch, Alana, and Kameron. She is also lovingly remembered by her brothers and sisters: Ricko (Kelly) Thomas, Kezia (Horace) Gayle, Veronica (Brian) Chapman , Ursella Thomas, Fernan (Tina) Thomas, Lenora Thomas-Morton, and Nessa (Kirby) Lewis. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children.

Veniva is reunited in peace with her beloved husband, Alphonzo Leroy Paul, whose love and presence she carried in her heart throughout her life.Veniva will be deeply missed for her forthright spunk, her creativity, and the legacy of innovation, strength, and heart she leaves behind.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬