Bette Joe Taylor's Obituary
Bette Joe Newman was born on January 8, 1930. She was the biological daughter of Stella Marie Harvell of Plano and was adopted shortly after her birth by her aunt Zelma Mae (Harvell) and Robert Newman who raised her lovingly as their own along with their other daughters Sue and Martha. Her early childhood days were spent in Plano, Texas where she attended Plano Public School and First Christian Church. Her family moved to Dallas when she was 10 years old. She was a proud graduate of North Dallas High School in 1947. During and after high school, she worked in downtown Dallas and loved to talk about her days working at the Majestic Theatre, Dresser Industries and spending time with her dear friends Betty and Johnny Steward and her cousin Tom Harvell. She also attended SMU for a short time and studied business administration.
In 1958, she married Bill H. Taylor of Lamesa, Texas and they lived in Dallas. Bette said being a Taylor was one of the greatest blessings of her life. Shortly after their marriage, Bill’s job moved them to Jackson, Mississippi where they spent 12 wonderful years and had their three children - M’Lee, John and M’Lou “Boo”. Bette always said her happiest days were in Mississippi spending time with loving neighbors and friends and taking trips to the coast with her beloved brother-in-law Ray and his wife Sandra Taylor. In 1970, Bill and Bette returned to Texas where they could be closer to family, and she could help care for her mother. They lived in Temple and Garland where Bill insisted they live in the country and raise quarter horses. She enjoyed country life and worked tirelessly to create a warm and happy home for her family and friends. She and Bill loved attending all her kids’ school activities and treated her children’s friends as if they were her own. They were also active in Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall and served in many capacities. She was an excellent cook and known for her many desserts including cakes, divinity, pralines, and candy but also known for her cheese straws, hearty meals of chicken fried steak and gravy, casseroles, crispy bacon and famous beer biscuits. She loved hosting holiday celebrations with her sister Martha and the Duvals, especially Christmas Eve parties that were always filled with great food and laughter. She also was extremely dedicated to her Taylor family, never missing their annual reunion, and insisted that her children always attend and stay connected to their cousins.
She had an amazing work ethic not only as a homemaker, but also worked full time as a data processor and administrator at Garland Memorial Hospital and Garland Orthopedic Clinic. She worked tirelessly and was committed to providing endless opportunities for her children including sending them all to Baylor University which was one of her proudest accomplishments.
After Bill died in 1988 of lung cancer, Bette moved from the country to the Oakridge neighborhood in Garland where she spent the last 30+ years. She loved and cared for her neighbors and friends and enjoyed gardening, book club, watching the Dallas Mavericks, attending her weekly Bible Study group at SMU and was an avid and skilled bridge player. She loved cats and animals especially her sweet cat Maggie. She cherished visits with her children and grandchildren and always made each visit memorable with pecial treats and laughter. She also enjoyed spending Sundays with her beloved Aunt Rita and best friends Betty Martin and Beth Bright in Lake Dallas.
In 2002, Bette retired from Garland Orthopedic Clinic after 22 years. She immediately took on the care of her grandson Will Henry who filled her days with adventure, laughter and purpose. In 2011, Bette was diagnosed with memory issues and eventually Alzheimer’s disease. In 2016, she moved to Appletree Assisted Living in Richardson where she spent 3 years living in what she called a beautiful hotel she couldn’t afford. She kept all her neighbors and caregivers entertained with her quick wit and humor and was a beloved resident. She spent her final years at Family Choice care home in Dallas, Texas and was lovingly cared for by compassionate and heroic caregivers who brought her laughter, compassion, and dignity in her last days. Bette was a woman who was committed to her family, faith, friends and fun and she leaves an endearing legacy with all those who knew her.
Bette is preceded in death by her husband Bill H. Taylor, parents Robert and Zelma Harvell Newman of Dallas, mother Stella Marie Harvell Berry of Fort Worth and sister Martha Newman Duval of Garland as well as her beloved in-laws, Bill Johnson of Amarillo, Owen and June Taylor of Artesia, Ray and Sandra Taylor of Fort Worth. She is survived by her sister Sue Johnson of Amarillo, daughter M’Lee Taylor Brooks and her husband Ron of Spring, son John O.Taylor of San Antonio, daughter M’Lou “Boo” Taylor Hyttinen and husband Kris of Richardson and beloved grandchildren Parker, Preston and his wife Taylor and Paige Taylor, Alex and Zhanna Brooks and Will Henry Hyttinen. She also leaves behind dear nieces, nephews and extended family who she loved dearly.
Bette will be buried next to her husband Bill and the rest of her Harvell and Newman families at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas. A small family graveside service will take on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 9am at Restland. Donations and memorials can be made to your favorite animal rescue, Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice in her name.
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