Mary Wanda Taylor, 89, of Beaumont, passed away Monday, August 8, 2016. She was born on March 13, 1927, to Ruby Cornelia Ward and Charles Francis Jones, in Newton, Kansas. She attended the University of Oklahoma studying business.

Wanda lived a life full of devotion to her husband and children.  When she wasn’t being a den mother to her two sons’ Cub Scout pack, she was overseeing her daughters’ music lessons and homemaking skills.  She followed her husband overseas in his career from the pyramids of Egypt to the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.  Her passion was dancing.  Her husband, Raymond, recently said they danced across Europe encompassing London, Paris, Rome, Monte Carlo, and throughout the Middle East.  She also taught English at the American School of Kuwait and was President of the International Club of Beaumont.  She never met a stranger and always loved talking about her grandchildren and her childhood along with her adventures living overseas.

Wanda was a member of St Andrews Presbyterian Church since 1960 when she and her family moved to Beaumont from Delaware. She was involved in the Presbyterian Womens’ Circle and was an active member until circumstances precluded her ability to attend.

Those left to cherish Wanda’s beautiful memory include her husband, Raymond T. Taylor; sons, Richard T. Taylor of Spring, TX and Raymond G. Taylor of Humble, TX; daughters, Soliel Taylor of Bastrop, TX and Mary Patricia Barber of Denver, CO; ten grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.  

A funeral service for Mrs. Taylor will begin at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, August 11, 2016, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont. A gathering of her family and friends will follow until 5:00 p.m. in the Parlor, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Burial services will be a private ceremony the following day at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX.

Memorial contributions may be made in Wanda’s name to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way, I've found that peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life's been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one' touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

-Janice M. Fair-Salters