FAYETTEVILLE — Betty Nell Taylor,

94, of Fayetteville passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Edgewood Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born January 15, 1929, in Grapevine, Ark. to Monroe and Willie Reynolds Cearly. Betty was the oldest of five siblings, all of whom preceded her in death.

Betty graduated Grapevine High School in 1947 where she excelled on the basketball team. The same year, she married high school sweetheart Murphy Taylor. Betty was mother to three boys: Glen, Mark, and Rick.

The family relocated to Fayetteville in 1967, where Betty was active in the church. Spirited and outspoken, she was a homemaker and an avid reader. Betty enjoyed playing bridge with friends, tending to her flower garden, and studying the Bible. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, and worked tirelessly to ensure the comfort of her family.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Murphy Roland Taylor; eldest son, Glen Murphy Taylor; and four siblings, Mary Rosemond Stover, Vestal Ann Hatcher, Paulette Freeman, and Henry “Bud” Cearly.

She is survived by two sons, Mark Roland Taylor (Melinda McIlroy) of Fayetteville, and Ricky Sam Taylor (Kimberly) of Conway; three granddaughters, Shannon Bode (William), Nicole Taylor of Fayetteville and Abby Oakley (Justin) of Little Rock; four grandsons, Ryan Taylor (Ashley) of Little Rock, Brett Taylor (Amanda) of Conway, Zachary Taylor of Tucson, Ariz., and Gavin Taylor of Little Rock; six great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Ella Jane Taylor, Jaxon and Maddon Taylor, and Norah and Ray Oakley.

A graveside service will be held at Grapevine Cemetery at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023. Memorials may be made to the Grant County Museum in Sheridan, Ark. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com