Brenda Joyce Taylor's Obituary
Brenda Joyce Taylor of Memphis, Tennessee, 79, passed from this life on January 27, 2024.
Brenda was born on October 4, 1944, in Newport, AR, to George Evans Gates and Mildred (Cole) Gates. Brenda was the youngest of six children. She attended school in Newport, and met her future husband, Troy U.W. (Dub) Taylor while in high school. They were married on September 15, 1962, in Newport, and were married for more than 61 years. She moved to Memphis, TN, in 1962, where she and Troy lived, and continued to live most of 61 years. Dub and Brenda had three children, Troy Brian in 1964, and twins, Tonja Renee and Terry Evans in 1967.
She was blessed with five grandsons that she loved spending time with, and she enjoyed listening to Southern Gospel Music. She also loved crafts such as crocheting while making aphgans; and making wreaths and other floral decorations. One year for Christmas, Brenda even made each of her children and grandchildren their own personal handmade quilts. She worked for many years as the Director of Berean Baptist Church Day School, where she also attended church; later she attended church at Liberty Memorial Baptist and then at Cherokee Baptist.
Preceding her in death were her parents, George Evans and Mildred Gates; two brothers, R.E. Gates and Harold Gates; and a sister, Peggy Louise Gates.
Brenda is survived by her husband, Troy U.W. (Dub) Taylor of Memphis, TN; sister, Wilma Evans of Newport, AR; and brother, Bobby Gates of Newport, AR. Three children; son, Troy Brian Taylor and his wife Lori of Memphis, TN; daughter, Tonja Renee Bobo and her husband Gil of Olive Branch, MS; and son, Terry Evans Taylor of Bartlett, TN. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren including five grandsons; Jordan Hunter Bobo and his wife Kelsey, of Olive Branch, MS; Taylor Micah Bobo and his wife Hannah of Olive Branch, MS; Evan Jacob Taylor of Austin, TX; Troy Gabriel Taylor and his wife Rachel of Memphis, TN; and Brian Ezekiel (Zeke) Taylor of Memphis TN; and four great-grandchildren including Jordan Jett Bobo and Gwenyth Ann Bobo, Blaise Allain Bobo, and Troy Malachi Taylor.
Graveside services for Mrs. Brenda will be held at 2:30pm on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation an hour prior to the service starting at 1:30pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Brenda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Brenda?
Share a story where Brenda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Brenda you’ll never forget.
How did Brenda make you smile?
