Paula "Poo" Elizabeth Sanford Wyche

Paula Elizabeth Sanford Wyche, who preferred to be called "Poo," passed away peacefully on July 14 in Daleville, Virginia, surrounded by the dedicated medical staff who attended to her. She was 79, one month shy of her 80th birthday.

Poo was born on August 13, 1945, in Oceanside, California, just after the end of World War II. Her father, a proud U.S. Marine, had recently returned from serving in the Pacific. Shortly after her birth, the family returned to their native Mississippi, where Paula was raised in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.

She graduated from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, and later married Henry B. Wyche Jr. The couple began their life together in Atlanta, Georgia, before settling in Botetourt County, Virginia, where they raised their three children: fraternal twins Susan and Georgia, and Will.

A deeply compassionate and beautiful woman—in looks and at heart—Poo had a lifelong love for animals and often opened her home to those in need of care. She was an avid antique collector with an eye for beauty and a deep appreciation for history. Travel brought her joy.

Poo was known for her adventuresome spirit, quiet strength, and generous heart. She gave fully to her family, her friends, and the causes she cared about. She leaves behind a legacy of love, curiosity, and kindness that will continue to live on in all who knew her.

She is survived by her children: Susan Wyche (Heather Marlow) of East Lansing, Michigan; Georgia Wyche (Raphael Grange) of Bruz, France; and Will Wyche (Courtney) of Bethesda, Maryland. She is also survived by her four grandchildren—Elena, Hartley, Madeline, and George—and her sister, SuSu Anderson (Van) of Madison, Mississippi.

A celebration of Poo’s life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Poo's memory to the Roanoke Valley SPCA.