Bettye Taylor

Bettye Fern Brooks Taylor , age 83, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee died Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Alexian Village under hospice care. Her last weeks were spent with her children and loved ones. Bettye Fern was born May 28th, 1931 in Chattanooga, the daughter of Ela and Millard Brooks. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, William Lee Taylor, Junior and her daughter Judith Lynn Taylor. She is survived by her remaining children: William Lee Taylor, III of Nashville, TN; Kimberly Taylor Powell (John) of Atlanta, GA; Brooks Edward Taylor (Pilar) of Birmingham, AL; and Brent Allan Taylor (Betsy) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; her 8 grandchildren: Brooks Edward Taylor, Junior (Jessica); Alexander Russell Taylor (Emily); Edith Greer Taylor; Clare Dameron Taylor; Chase Alexander Pendleton Powell; Julia Taylor Powell Payares (Manuel);Grace Elizabeth Taylor and Elise Chapin Taylor. Bettye was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga and for the last 15 years Signal Mountain.

She attended Chattanooga public schools including City High School and the University of Chattanooga (University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. While she was at UC she was a member of Chi Omega. Her final year she became reacquainted with the love of her life (they actually met in elementary school), Bill Taylor. After a whirlwind romance Bettye and Bill married and soon travelled to Japan where Bill served in the Army. They then moved to Knoxville for Bill to attend law school before settling in Chattanooga where she and Bill raised their 5 children.

Throughout Bettye’s life she was a involved in the community. Her involvement included being President of her sorority, Chi Omega, at the University of Chattanooga and continued throughout her life with the difference she made in the lives of so many people in Chattanooga and throughout the Southeast. She spent many nights serving on the board of the Chattanooga Area Literacy Movement (now READ) and teaching many to read and write. She and her late husband, Bill, were founders of the Scenic Land School (now Skyuka Hall) which still educates many young Chattanoogans with learning differences. She also served on the board of First Things First, an organization dedicated to strengthening families. She was awarded their Family Legacy Award in 2007. She was known throughout the Southeastern U.S. for her roles in Presbyterians For Renewal, Outreach Foundation, and as a lay leader for numerous Lay Renewal Retreats. She served as an Elder in the Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, but perhaps will be always be in the hearts and minds of others for her leadership role as Sunday School teacher, small group Bible study leader, Precept leader, and mentor to young couples along with her beloved Bill. So many friends, students, and families will have a special place for Bettye in their hearts for the devotion she showed during her years at Rivermont Presbyterian and later at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Churches.

Her family and friends will remember her for her wisdom, laughter and guidance and will be missed by many that knew and loved her. She was a passionate follower of Christ and a tireless educator of his teachings.

On Friday, April 17, 2015 there will be a private graveside service and a memorial service at 1:30pm at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church followed by visitation with the family immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that gifts be made to the Judy Taylor Award Fund presented by Skyuka Hall (formerly Scenic Land School) and to Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com