Paulette was born on June 14th, 1954, to Charles & Clara Butler in Wellborn, FL. She grew up and attended the Suwannee County public school system, graduating from Suwannee High in 1972.

A year after graduating, she married her high school sweetheart Kenneth Hankerson December 26, 1973. They moved to Germany while Ken served in the Army. After having their first daughter Monica, they relocated back to Wellborn, FL in 1975 and had two more daughters, Kenya and Shameika.

Paulette worked various jobs over the years and began her career working with Suwannee River Regional Library in 1993 as a librarian. During her tenure with the library, she received different awards and recognitions, one being the Employee of the Month. After working for 28 years, she retired in May 2021.

Paulette accepted Christ at an early age and would later join Greater New Bethel AME church where she served faithfully until her health began to fail.

Paulette entered her heavenly home on Monday, September 15, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles & Clara Butler

She leaves to cherish her memories: Husband; Kenneth of 51 years (together for 55 years), Daughters; Monica, Kenya, and Shameika. Grandson; Cam'ron, Granddaughters; Lauren and Chloe. One Great-Granddaughter Courtney. Siblings; Carolyn Dozier, Blondell Bradley (Freddie), Theresa Smith (Alfred), Ronald Butler, Jeanette Riley (Tim), Gail Ford, and Joyce Ford. One Aunt; Cherry Ann Massey, One Uncle; Phillip Hosley (Nita). As well as cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.