The People Project:
Paula Zachary
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | March 23, 2024
Meet Paula Zachary!
Paula is the daughter of a Preacher, and moved around every 2-3 years, but spent the most time in Zachary, Louisiana. She graduated from Zachary High School in 1972. She married and had two children, Stacey and Jason. She divorced, then remarried and had two more children, Brandon and Lee Thomas (LT). She homeschooled her children until Brandon was asked to play on the Oak Forest baseball team. He graduated, then attended Southeastern Louisiana University. Right before his second year, he drove impaired and was killed in an automobile accident. After that, Paula’s world changed. A year later, she was invited to a coalition in Greensburg, where she was connected to Bridget Bailey who was starting the TRACC (Tangipahoa-Reshaping Attitudes for Community Change) Coalition. She has been a member from the very beginning, and has served as the Chairman for the last 3 years. She also has become an advocate for MADD by speaking at schools and victim impact classes to offenders.
She is also an active member at the First Pentecostal Church of Roseland.
We want to thank Paula for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about her life and her love of the area.
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: I decided to turn my pain to passion, and that is what I call my talks when I speak to people about Brandon. I want God to use me in whatever direction He needs me. If I can change one person's mind about poor decisions, I feel like I have made a difference.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: I love hole-in-the-wall type restaurants. There is one in Baton Rouge called Great Taste Cafe. They have the best buffet of soul food.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Fishing with my grandpa.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: To Mexico. When I was younger, my parents were friends with missionaries and we would take supplies to their orphanage. I would love to go back and visit with them. I would also love to go to Switzerland or Ireland.
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: I love Gone with the Wind. The first movie I remember seeing in a theater was an Elvis movie with my friend in the 7th or 8th grade.
Q: What advice would you give a group of people?
A: First, don't drink and drive. Be responsible. Take responsibility for yourself.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I want to see the replica of Noah's Ark!
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I love old gospel music and music from the 1930s and 1940s! I would love to see Andrea Bocelli perform.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: Shopping at Godchaux’s, a department store in Baton Rouge.
Q: If you could choose one person to go to lunch with that you’ve never met, who is it and where would you go?
A: Our Governor, Jeff Landry. I would let him decide where we ate.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: Tangipahoa parish is a family parish. The entertainment and events are all about families. When I go to other places, sometimes they act like they don't know who you are. Not here.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Hopefully an ambassor for MADD or TRACC. Being more involved.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: That I am really a timid person on the inside.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Peace
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: A driver!
Q: If you had to choose one type of cuisine to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Definitely Mexican food.
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: Sing, pray, ride in silence.
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: The last gift I gave was my couch to my friends. I didn't really use it and I felt that God was telling me to call them and see if they needed it. The last gift I received was for Valentine's Day at church. They were giving away two baskets and my son's name was called for the first one, then mine was called for the second!
Q: What are you known for?
A: Baking desserts!
Q: What is your favorite 30s/40s jam?
A: Anything by Tommy Dorsey.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
A: To teleport!
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Baking, crotchet (but only in the winter) and gardening.
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: The laughing crying face.
Q: What are you the most proud of?
A: The accomplishments and where I have come.
Q: What two items would you take with you if you shipwrecked on a deserted island where food and water were taken care of?
A: My hairbrush and toilet paper!
Q: If you won the lottery, what would be the first 4 things you would purchase or spend money on?
A: I would pay off my car, give to the church and help my kids.
Q: What do you want your legacy to be?
A: That everyday I helped someone.
Robin and Bella were nominated by Taylor Addison
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
We love meeting, knowing, and working with our community, and we love working with homes and all types of properties. Helping our community achieve their goals through buying and selling property is something we consider ourselves very fortunate to get to do. Contact one of our REALTORS® if we can help!
