of Harrison, AR

July 20, 1930 - February 20, 2021

Bettye Marie (Saxon) Taylor, age 90, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed peacefully from this life into the loving arms of our Lord on Saturday, February 20, 2021, in Harrison. Bettye was born on July 20, 1930, in Searcy, Arkansas, the daughter of Harvey and Violet (Webb) Saxon. Along with her parents, Bettye was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Charles Taylor; her daughter, Susan (Taylor) Young; her infant brother, Jimmy Saxon; her brother, Johnny Saxon; her sister, Jean (Saxon) Spaunhurst; and her great-granddaughter, Kadence Elise Pledger.

Bettye began her working career at Montgomery Ward's Department Store where she worked until it closed. She then worked at BJ Manufacturing in Harrison and spoke fondly of her time there. She and Charles were also the owners of Taylor Tire in Harrison. Bettye and Charles took pleasure in traveling all across the United States. While Bettye enjoyed these many adventures her true calling was being the wife of a pastor. Together, Charles and Bettye served the Lord for almost 50 years. Along with countless hours teaching Sunday school classes, Bettye was an extraordinary pianist. She played the piano every Sunday in church and knew many Baptist hymns by heart.

In addition to being an exceptional wife and mother, Bettye wins all the awards there are for grandmother. It was the people who called her "Mimi" that made her the proudest, as she has left behind many memories for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren that will forever be treasured. You never talked to Bettye without hearing about her two favorite topics: Jesus and her grandchildren. She was very open about her steadfast belief in the power of prayer; she loved praying for you and she loved praying with you. Bettye was still doing this up to her final days, never wavering from her job of bringing more people to her Lord and Savior. Bettye had the sweetest spirit with a superpower for making everyone she ever talked to feel special and valued. The impact she has made on countless people is immeasurable and her presence with us will be greatly missed until we meet again.

Bettye is survived by her daughter and son-in-law; Charlotte (Taylor) and Steve Pledger, of Harrison; her son and daughter-in-law; Paul and Chris Taylor, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Britt and Marie Young, Brian and Kristen Pledger, Malia, and Shane Parnell, Jason and Kellie Pledger, and Grant and Katie Pledger; nine great-grandchildren, Andie, Emma, Beth, Sophie, Ava, Grace, Owen, Parker, and Charles Fletcher; her niece, Beverly Pierce; her nephews, Buddy, David and Eddie Spaunhurst; as well as other family members.


In addition to the multitude of friends, acquaintances, caregivers, and family that supported, loved, and cared for Bettye, her family would like to express their humble gratitude to the staff and administration of Somerset Senior Living as well as Amanda Chitsey, APN.

The funeral service was Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Rev. Robert Shaddox officiating.

Visitation was one hour prior to the service.

Interment was at Maplewood Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Bettye's grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers were Buck and Vicki Mayes and Zion Light Congregation.


Loving donations in honor of Bettye may be made to any of the following: Somerset Senior Living, 115 Orendorff, Harrison, Arkansas 72601; Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas, 1200 W. Walnut St., Suite 1407, Rogers, AR 72756; or Molly Bears, P.O. Box 61998, Virginia Beach, VA 23466.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com