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.
Dearest Charlotte & Paul, I am just now seeing that your Mom passed a few weeks ago. I'm so sorry, and know the pain you are going through. She was such a loving person, and was always so good to me. I'll never forget that she bought me my first bra when I was staying all night with you. Know my prayers will be with you all as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful mother.
Sorry for your lose
Betty was a sweet lady .we thought alot of her and Charles prayers to your family
We will miss Aunt Betty greatly. We loved her so much. Our prayers are with you all.
I wish the family and friends peace and comfort in this time of grief and hope that sharing the many memories of Bettye Marie Taylor helps. Reading about her beautiful life is uplifting and her legacy is spread wide. My sincere condolences, may she rest in peace with the Lord!
So sorry to hear of the passing of Bettye Taylor. Shopping at Wards is a wonderful childhood memory: Being greeted by the smiling faces, and the passion for service, as well as the display of privilege to represent quality. Bettye held this banner high. She and others like her are irreplaceable. Peace to her family at this most difficult time.
Bettye had such a beautiful soul. I loved seeing her big smiles first thing in the morning. She will be greatly missed. Such a blessing to many. Sending prayers for the family.
Bettye was such a sweet woman and always so kind. My condolences to the family as you celebrate her wonderful life.
Britt, Marie
I am so saddened to learn of Ms. Bettye's passing. I talked with her approx. . 3 weeks ago. We had a wonderful conversation, as we always did. She was so proud of great Grandson "Fletch" and always talked about Beth as well as all the other Grands. She was a lovely, sweet lady. I know you all will miss her but know she is not suffering and has been reunited with her loved ones. I know I will certainly miss our talks. Prayers of comfort and peace to the family.
A perfect example of a Godly woman. What a role model to aspire to emulate.
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF MS BETTYE PASSING. BRO CHARLES MARRIED TWO KIDS ON MAY 29,1969. AT A SMALL CHURCH AT COMPTON AR. MS BETTYE PLAYED THE PIANO . THAT WAS, SOON TO BE 52 YEARS AGO. THOUGHTS & PRAYERS.... BUT SHE IS SO BLESSED....SHE GETS TO SEE WHERE JESUS LIVES!!! GARY(TOMMY) & DEBBIE SCROGGINS VILLINES.
Charlotte, Steve and all who knew Bettye as wife, mother, aunt, MiMi, friend...
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day
And not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Timothy 4.7-8
Rest In Peace Bettye, with my deepest sympathy.
My deepest sympathy to your family.your dad and mom was a blessing .they are together again.im sure charlie missed her.love you guys
Thoughts and prayers to you all. Bettye was one very special woman. I know you have and will continue to have very precious memories of her. In Christ, Cathy
Sending love and peace to the entire family with your loss of a dear woman.
Sending our prayers and condolences to your family.
Paul, Charlotte and families, so sorry for your (our) loss. Cherish your precious memories of a precious lady. Love to you all.
Only met Mimi a few times through the years but always felt blessed by her presence.
Thinking of everyone in her precious family with love and prayers during these most difficult days of grief..
Hugs..
Oh to have more people like this sweet lady. She always had a positive word and a encouraging word to say every time I saw her. Always asking about how others were doing, a very caring person.
Prayers for family.
Mrs. Bettye was the pastor’s wife at my grandparents’, Harley and Ruby Thomason, church in Bellefonte. I have very fond memories of VBS in the summers with her. She was always so kind to all of us kids. She always treated me like I was one of the kids that attended there regularly, even though my family attended another church. She always made sure we felt welcome and knew that she and Jesus loved us. Prayers for the family.
Betty was a special person to me, my first piano teacher at Boxley. She was always so kind and loving and a special Pastors wife. She was a true example of a wonderful Christan. Love and prayers to all.
Bettye will be truly missed. She had such a beautiful soul, with a magnetic personality. It was truly a blessing to know someone like her.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Betty was such a sweet precious lady who brightened up everyone's life.
Wherever a beautiful sole has been, there are beautiful memories they leave in the hearts of others. May God bring comfort and peace to your family during this difficult time. ðŸ™
We are so sorry for your loss. Miss Betty was such a sweet lady and I know you have many beautiful memories to hold dear to your heart. Our love and prayers for the family.
So very sorry to hear of your family loss ,Bettye was a wonderful person, instead & out, have heard lots of wonderful things of her. Our thoughts & prayers will with you all..
Bettye was such a beautiful soul and I enjoyed being with her. The obituary describes her perfectly. Well done. â¤ï¸
Charlotte, Paul and families, prayers to each and everyone at this time of loss. Cherish all your memories as I have some good memories of her too.
Charlotte and Paul. She is a sweet memory to me from way back at Bellefonte Baptist Church. The epitome of a pastors wife. Loved her, and she will be missed.
Liz and I are heart broken. We really miss our visits with her at Somerset. And I miss being her wheelchair motor.