Paulden James Lewis entered this world on August 7, 2001, the son of Latasha Ann Lewis and Paul James Amos. With the exception of a brief period spent away to complete his high school education, his home was Lake Charles, Louisiana, the place of his birth. Paulden was lovingly called "Tabby" or "Tabu" by family members.

From infancy until the age of 9, Paulden was cared for by his father's first cousin, Rosalyn Simien, who raised him along with her son, Jaylen. After the age of 9, Paulden lived with his father's sister, Jennifer Simien Soileau and her husband, Alvin Soileau Jr. They raised Paulden with his older brother, Paul, and Jennifer and Alvin's two children, Cobe and Alyk.

Paulden was educated at John J. Johnson II Elementary, S.J. Welsh, R.C. Reynaud, Ray D. Molo and Moss Bluff Middle Schools. He attended high school at the Lake Charles Charter Academy. In September 2018, Paulden graduated from the National Guard Youth Challenge Program in Carville, Louisiana. Jerry and Cindy Collins were instrumental in helping him complete YCP, graciously acting as mentors to Paulden. Following graduation, Paulden worked at the construction company of his father's first cousin, Albert Simien Jr.

Paulden is being remembered as an avid reader. He was a huge fan of the Harry Potter and Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series. He spent a lot of time playing video games and also enjoyed watching movies and listening to music. His generosity did not go unnoticed. Family members say he would easily give away what he had to anyone in need. That legacy of unselfishness has now been extended to complete strangers and will be celebrated for years to come. As an organ donor, Paulden is being credited with saving two lives.

Paulden was preceded in death by his infant sister, Leah Lewis; his paternal grandfather, Jules Amos; and his godfather, Willie Simien.

Among the many loved ones cherishing sweet memories of Tabby are his parents, Latasha Lewis and Paul Amos; his parental guardians, Jennifer and Alvin Soileau Jr.; his brothers, Paul James Lewis, Dwayne Lewis and Michael Lewis; his sisters, Lakyn Simien and A'Neighya Johnson; his maternal grandparents, Theresa and James Williams; his paternal grandmother, Annabelle Simien Amos; his cousin, Rosalyn Simien; his cousins, Cobe and Alyk Soileau and Jaylen Simien, who were raised with him; his aunt, Jacqueline M. Simien and her daughter (his cousin) Carrington Joseph; his great aunt and uncle, JoAnn and Albert Simien Sr., who were like grandparents to him; and his godmother and cousin, Elizabeth Guillory.