of Bono, AR
November 30, 1931 - December 17, 2024
Leatha ''Vernell'' Taylor, 93, of Bono, AR passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, AR. She was born on November 30, 1931 to Vernon and Ruby (Baugh) Pfeifer.
Vernell was a lifelong resident of Bono and was a member of the Bono Church of Christ. She started her working journey as a teenager, saying she began working so she could ''make her own way''. She worked at Craft Mercantile, Craft Syrup and Frolic Footwear. In 1959, she started work at General Electric, where she stayed until 1979. She and her late husband, Lynn Taylor, were owners of Taylor Glass Company and later bought and operated Downtown Cafeteria in Jonesboro. She continued to operate the café for 10 years after Lynn passed away in 1991, only retiring in 2000.
Vernell had some difficult years in her life and for a few years she was on her own raising her three daughters. She had to make decisions that she thought were best for her children and she greatly appreciated those people who helped her along the way. She was a hard worker and while she worked at GE, she would also pick cotton, often weighing in more than some of the men in the field. Some of her many talents included cooking, sewing, flower gardening and tending to her pecan crop.
Although she had many amazing attributes, her family was the most important thing to her. She took pride in raising her three daughters and she was always involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, attending their numerous extra-curricular activities. She especially enjoyed attending their athletic events.
Vernell had a very nurturing personality and always wanted to make sure that everyone was taken care of. She took the time to teach them how to do things ''her way'', which was the right way. A strong work ethic was important to her and she instilled this in her family while also setting an example for them. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue through her family who loved her very much.
Vernell was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Ruby Pfeifer; her husband of 28 years, Lynn Taylor; a daughter, Marsha Tolbert and a brother, Rickey Pfeifer.
Those left to remember Vernell are her daughters, Jenellda Patton and Melba (Rickey) Thomas; grandchildren, Randy (Denise) Patton, Robin Patton, Melissa (Josh) Cureton, Landon Thomas, Ryan (Amy) Tolbert and Stefanie (Anthony) Mahan; great grandchildren, Zachary Patton, Nicholas Patton, Gracye (Garner) Hodge, Cole Cureton, Mattyx Cureton, Adonis Thomas, Marcy Tolbert, Carson Tolbert, Miles Mahan and Adalinn Mahan; great-great grandchildren, Christopher Patton and Blake Patton; brothers, Clarence Glenn Pfeifer and Doyle Pfeifer; son in law, Michael Tolbert and many friends, family and loved ones.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 12pm at the Bono Church of Christ (101 Craftsbury, Bono, AR 72416) with Gary Cremeens officiating. Burial will follow at Trinity Cemetery in Bono.
A visitation will be on Thursday, December 19, 2024 beginning at 5:30pm at Bono Church of Christ.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Randy Patton, Robin Patton, Ryan Tolbert, Landon Thomas, Josh Cureton and Anthony Mahan.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Vernell's name to the Bono Church of Christ Food Pantry (101 Craftsbury, Bono, AR 72416) or to the Trinity Cemetery General Fund (PO Box 429, Bono, AR 72416).
Arrangements are under the care of Roller Farmers Union Funeral Home.
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13 Condolence(s)
Lisa Boyd
Friday, December 20, 2024
Dear Melba and Family,
My deepest sympathies are extend to you during this time of loss, May God bring you peace and comfort as only he can during this time. You guys will all be in my prayers as you navigate life without your mom, but hold on to all the sweet memories you have and may they bring you comfort. Much Love Lisa
Ruth Walters
Thursday, December 19, 2024
So sorry for your loss! Mrs Taylor was a special lady. She was always smiling ! She will be missed by all that knew her. Prayer for all the family!
TERRY W SNOW
Thursday, December 19, 2024
To Melba and all of the family
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Taylors passing. Such a sweet lady and always smiling letting you know she was happy to see you. I've eaten many times at her table downtown. Such an angel and I'm sure she's happy being reunited with Lynn and the rest of her family that's already gone on.
Prayers for all of you.
Terry and Maribeth Snow
Thursday, December 19, 2024
So sorry for your loss! My husband still talk about downtown cafe! We actually still call it that! Her meatloaf was like no other! All our memories of her are heartwarming!
SHARRON USSERY
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Janelda and Melba and Family,
i am so sorry for your loss. Loved going to you house when we were young. I know your pain as she will always be missed by you all. in my thoughts and prayers.
love,
Sharron Ussery
Stephanie Neely
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
I am so sorry for this loss. She was a special lady. My thoughts and prayers for the many generations of her family that loved her very much.
Sunshine Pope
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Jenelda, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mother, although I didn’t see her much the last few years, I know you will miss her, Please know I will be praying for you and the rest of your Family…,
Sunshine Pope
Dan and Katheryn Melton
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Vernell was such a special lady. I have many wonderful memories over the years that i have known her and your family. Our thought and prayers are with your family during the days and weeks ahead.
Leeann Castleberry
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Melba and Jenellda and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Vernell was such a sweet lady . Robin and I loved going to eat at the cafe and being at Church with her. She will be greatly missed.
Love,
Robin and Leeann Castleberry and Family
Bilinda Norman
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Vernell will be missed by so many. I sure loved her and she was an inspiration-her cooking, cleaning, sewing- you name it, she could do it….I only wish I could do half the things she did. Praying for all of you!
Deloris & Larry Tolbert
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
My heart is sad to learn that our dear Vernell is not with us on earth but rejoicing that she is in her heavenly home. She fought a long hard battle but was tired of the fight. We will always hold on to the fond memories of such a dear woman.
Deloris & Larry Tolbert
Jennifer Wilson
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Lester and I are praying for all of you. Mrs. Vernell always had a sweet smile:)
Tom Jackson
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Josh. Melisa. I send my sincere condolences. Prayers. I have known the family for many years. Lots of wonderful memories.