Laura N. Bearden Taylor, 88, of Florence, passed away March 18, 2023, at Mitchell Hollingsworth after an extended illness. Laura was a member of Highland Baptist Church. She graduated from Haleyville High School and holds BA and MA degrees from the University of North Alabama. She retired from Florence City Schools after 30 years as an educator.
Laura loved to travel and was always planning trips with family and friends. Laura served previously as a member of the Board of Directors of Alabama Renaissance Faire held each year in Florence, Al.
Laura had a passion for horses since a young age. She became an accomplished exhibitor, breeder, and promoter of the Racking and Tennessee Walking Horse. She was a charter member of the R.H.B.A.A. and was the first chairman of the Judge’s committee. She also served over 15 years on the Advisory Board. She helped organize and served two years as President of Muscle Shoals Racking Horse Assoc., the first association to affiliate with R.H.B.A.A. She also served as administrator of the Pleasure Division. She was the first woman to judge the Racking classes at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration in 1973. Laura owned several world champions and co-owned 1976 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse “Shades of Carbon”.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in Greenview Funeral Home. Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel with burial in Greenview Memorial Park. Officiating will be Bro. Tim Wooten.
Laura is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Wendell Taylor; parents, Charles H. and Lillie B. Bearden, Haleyville, Al; sister, Eleanor A. Cain, brother, Jack P. Bearden, Adrian, MI.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Statham, Florence; son, Dan (Debra) Taylor, Florence; sisters-in-law, Lavonia “Sis” Bearden, Adrian, Michigan, and Charlotte Cox Silvers, Dalton, Georgia; grandchildren, Annette (Bill) Burkhead, Killen, April (Anthony) Creek, Florence, Adam (Nicole) Taylor, Muscle Shoals, and Stephanie (Josh) Johnston, Florence; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Landon, Taylor, Kasen, Harrison, Cullen, and Ellah; nieces and nephews.
The family would especially like to thank Shoals Hospice and Mitchell Hollingsworth for the care given to Laura.
In lieu of flowers make donations to the Coalition for Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders, P. O. Box 1608, Florence, Al. 35631.
