Berna Catherine (Knight) Taylor Obituaries

Mrs. Berna Catherine (Knight) Taylor of Newport, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Newport. She was born March 2, 1929, the daughter of William Duke and Jessie Catherine (Phillips) Knight in Willow, Arkansas.

Berna graduated from Malvern High School in 1947. She then attended Hendrix College. During a summer picnic, Berna met the love of her life, Conrad K. Taylor, and they married in 1949. In 1954, they added a daughter, Brenda Kay to their little family.

Berna and Conrad moved to Davenport, Iowa where Conrad attended Palmer Chiropractic School, and Berna taught school. They then settled in Osceola, Arkansas, where Conrad started his practice while Berna taught school. The three of them soon moved to Newport, where they made their lasting home.

Berna loved people, and always had a loving and giving spirit. If you knew Berna, you must remember her famous roast and chocolate chip cakes. She always enjoyed doing for others.

Berna also loved going…. anywhere! She enjoyed going out to lunch, bridge, trips, and of course, shopping!

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Sally Jean Sunday School Class.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Conrad; her brother, Bill Knight; and her parents.

Berna is survived by her daughter, B. Kay Taylor Brand and husband, Mike, of Newport; one grandson, Michael T. Brand, and fiancé, Shayna W. Boyster, of Fayetteville; one granddaughter, Michelle Catherine Brand Foshee and husband, Justin, of Newport; three great-grandchildren, Michael D. Brand, Bliss C. Foshee, and Ella F. Foshee; special nieces and nephew, William D. Knight of Malvern, Kim K. Cherry of Little Rock, and Susan K. Daniel of Malvern; and a lifetime of friends.

Berna was always known for saying, “I love you”, and her sweet spirit. Thank you God, for the special blessing of Berna Catherine.

Graveside services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2021, at Walnut Grove Cemetery, with Rev. Jeremy Pressgrove officiating.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Michael T. Brand, Michael D. Brand, Justin Foshee, Roger Brand, Bubba Sink, John Pennington, and Dr. Mike Brown.

To sign the guest register or leave a message of condolence, please visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com

Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.