Laura Beth Taylor

Our Laura Beth Taylor “Sweetheart”, or “Doll” as she was called by her mama; or “Baby” called by her daddy, was taken to her heavenly home on March 25, 2023.  Laura was an Earth Angel to be sure.  There has never been a sweeter, more unique, genuine, unselfish human being on the planet.  She traveled to the beat of her own drum, and everyone loved that quality about her.

Laura was born in Gulfport, MS where she spent her entire life. She enjoyed growing up on the Gulf Coast and enjoyed attending school. She talked about going back until the day she passed away.  Laura graduated from Gulfport High, Class of 1994 and made lifetime friends during those years. Laura attended GCCCC and obtained an associate degree in science.  Laura also loved her years in Oxford attending Ole Miss.  Laura loved animals, especially her kitties, Precious, Itty, Bubba and Roo Roo. She loved all things in nature, the beach, forest, trees, flowers. She loved the heat and humidity of Mississippi.  Laura loved art and was a very talented artist.  She loved music and could play all types of instruments, especially enjoying her many guitars and singing.  She had a beautiful, sweet voice. Laura loved life and was devoted to her friends and family. She liked having sushi with friends and was not one to pass on anything chocolate or Key Lime Pie.

At a young age Laura joined Grace Memorial Baptist where she gave her life to Christ and was Baptized.  She was active there in her younger years.

Family members there to welcome Laura in heaven are her daddy, Hollis Taylor III; grandparents, Hollis Taylor, Jr. and Mazie Richards Taylor, Robert Gordon Higdon and Jean Johnson Higdon; her nephew, Zachary Bryan Burkey; her aunt and uncle, Debbie and Drue Higdon; and uncle, Gordy Higdon.

Laura is survived by grieving, loving family and friends including her mother, Nancy Higdon Taylor; brothers and sisters in law, Bruce and Bella Burkey, Bryan and Michelle Burkey; niece and nephews, Jena, Drue and Quentin Burkey; and aunt, Jo Lynn Higdon. She is also survived by a brother, Hollis Taylor IV “Bubba”, and sister, Teresa Taylor.  Very close friends who are left to mourn our sweet Laura are Tammy Townsend, Leslie Shanks Smith, Amy Covington Hudson, and many others.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport. Friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Taylor family.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25^th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501.

“When a person of significance goes away, the person’s influence and teaching continue – we often feel this person is still with us, as if still with us” – Raymond Carver