Betty Gene Gainer Taylor's Obituary
Betty Gene Gainer Taylor, 95, of Collierville, TN, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, at Story Point Retirement Community and is now present with her Savior, Jesus Christ, in her heavenly home.
Betty was born Veteran’s Day, November 11, 1930 in Dallas, Texas to J.M. Gainer and Violet Pauline Gainer. She graduated from Adamson High School and then attended a Dallas business school. Betty married John Sidney Taylor at 19 and they were married almost 60 years until he went home to be with the Lord. Betty dedicated her early life to nurturing their 3 young children. She pursued a short-time banking career at Preston State Bank in Dallas, TX as the children became older to assist with college expenses.
In Dallas, Betty and John taught children’s Sunday School for many years, served as church camp counselors and sang in the Sanctuary Choir at First Baptist Church. After being transferred to Memphis with John’s job, they attended First Evangelical Church and later Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis where Betty is still a member.
Betty was a loving “Memaw” to her 24 Grand and Great-Grandchildren. It delighted her and “Papa” to be with their family, especially for holidays. They loved having the grands spend the night and then cooking waffles for them the next morning. She loved cooking for everyone at family gatherings,
working in their yard and sewing. She sewed many important garments with love for our family for special occasions including baby dedication dresses, wedding veils, Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom dresses, Bridesmaid dresses, Easter dresses, costumes for school plays and school clothes.
Betty was truly a Proverbs 31 woman...(v.26,28,31)
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue...Her children
arise and call her blessed...Honor her for all her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gates.”
Betty is survived by her children Julianne Fancher (Ken) Cordova, TN, Rebecca Lynn Cottle (Bill) Sugar Land, TX , John Sidney Taylor Jr. (Pam) Collierville, TN; her brother Robert Wayne Gainer, Cordova, TN, Sister, Susan Gaye Little (Larry) Granbury, TX; 24 Grand and Great-Grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews.
Betty was predeceased by her husband of almost 60 years, John Sidney Taylor and brother, James Morgan Gainer Jr. (Carol).
There will be a private family graveside service and a Celebration of Life is planned for later. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, Poplar Avenue, Missions Program or St. Jude Hospital.
“Yes my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him.” Psalm 62:5
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