Janel Paul, 50, was born on December 19, 1970, to David and June Willis, in New Haven.
Janel attended Saint Gabriel Private Elementary School in Milford, and graduated from Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden.
Janel worked at Yale-New Haven Hospital before relocating to Cary, North Carolina. After earning her license as a Registered Nurse (RN) from the Watts School of Nursing in Durham, North Carolina, she began her career at the Duke University Medical Center, where she spent several years. Janel advanced in the medical field rapidly. She accepted a position as a trainer of newly employed health providers at Fresenius Kidney Care in Raleigh, North Carolina. Recently, she looked forward to another career advancement opportunity as a floating nurse at Johnston Health in Clayton, North Carolina.
Janel was always willing to put the needs of others before her own. During the global pandemic of 2020, Janel travelled from North Carolina to spend three weeks in New York City supporting fellow health care providers on the front line. As a first responder, she tirelessly assisted infected patients and their grieving families as they battled the Coronavirus.
Janel’s response to the pandemic was consistent with her lifelong approach to the people she loved. She made sacrifices when necessary, to ensure everyone in her family was cared for during their time of need, including her mother, June.
Janel enjoyed laughing and joking while traveling with her husband of 13 years, Lenard Paul, and supporting their children with their dreams and achievements.
She is survived by her mother: June Willis, who resides in Clayton, NC; Siblings: Dani McLeod (Robert), who lives in Casa Grande, AZ, David “Jap” Willis III. (Lisa), who resides in New Haven, and Darryl Willis (Ta-Nisha) in W. Hartford.
To cherish her memory and continue her legacy, she leaves her children: Eric Anthony Walker, David Walker, and Jalen Paul; Stepchildren: Dieshell Gilbert, Lannae Gilbert, Lenard Paul II, Lindsey Paul, Paige Boyd, and Rhayne Paul; Eight grandchildren: Messiah, Makayla, Uri, Enzo, Prince Musah, Lenard III, Josiah, and Sincere; Nieces and nephews: Sherrell, Kayla, and Davon (Jap); Tamara and Janie (Dani); Tatiana and Darryl Jr. (Darryl).
Janel was predeceased by her father, David Willis.
On Monday, September 20, 2021, there will be a celebration of life memorial at Christian Tabernacle Church, 425 Newhall Street, Hamden, CT. at 11 am with a repast at Trinity Temple, 285 Dixwell Avenue.
