Judy Nell Taylor

Judith Nell Couch Taylor, daughter of Lewis C. and Mary Nell Poyner Couch, was born February 15, 1947, in Martin Tennessee. She departed this life Saturday, March 26, 2016 in her home, in Bolivar, Missouri, at the age of sixty-nine years, one month, eleven days. On June 8, 1968, she was united in marriage to Dr. C. Pat Taylor, and to this union two daughters were born. Her parents preceded her in death. Judy is survived by her loving husband of forty-seven years, Dr. C. Pat Taylor, of the home; two daughters, Marijo Elizabeth Gronewold, and her husband, Tom, of Homer Glen, Illinois, and Dr. Charla Couch Austermann, and her husband, Dr. Adam, of Ellisville, Missouri; two grandsons, Drew and Luke; a sister, Jenny Dowell, and her husband, Billy, of Union City, Tennessee; a niece, Ginger Brasfield, and her husband, Jay, of Jackson, Tennessee; a nephew, Billy Dowell, Jr., and his wife, Meredith, of Orlando, Florida; a number of cousins; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. She lived her early years in Martin, Tennessee, where she graduated from Martin High School. She then attended the University of Tennessee, at Martin, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. After she and Pat were married, they first made their home in Marion, Kentucky, where Judy began teaching. She started her Master’s Degree in Education at Western Kentucky University and completed her studies in 1971. Shortly after that, the family moved to Memphis where Judy taught second grade in the Memphis public schools and then first grade at the Southern Baptist Educational Center. After the family moved to Nashville, she became the Dean of Women for Belmont University and she and Pat were Resident Directors, “dorm parents”, at Pembroke Hall for three years. They then moved to Jackson, Tennessee where she taught in the education department of Union University for seven years. In 1986, they moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma, where she taught fulltime and was Director of the Student Teaching Program at Oklahoma Baptist University. In 1996, the Taylor’s moved to Bolivar, Missouri, where Pat became the President and Judy was the First Lady of Southwest Baptist University. Judy was an Assistant Professor at SBU from 1997 until 2006, and became greatly involved in ongoing campus beautification projects. She was the director of an English Institute for SBU’s partnership with the state of Roraima in Brazil. Judy poured herself into the lives of SBU students throughout the years and was a gracious hostess to countless University events. She shared Pat’s vision of making SBU the best it could be in every facet. In 2013, she was presented an Honorary Doctorate in Education Degree from Southwest Baptist University. Judy professed her faith in Christ early in life, and was an active member of First Baptist Church in Bolivar. She was involved in all phases of church work, possessed a deep faith in God and lived her faith in home, church, and in her professional career. She belonged to the PEO Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She also loved music and was a gifted pianist. She was a wonderful and devoted partner to Pat in every facet of life. Judy never met a day she did not like and always had a positive attitude. Her favorite saying was, “Bloom where you are planted everyday”, which reflected her devout faith in God and her desire to serve Him to the fullest each day. Judy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin. Her dedication and love for her family was a compass in her life and she always made sure her family was a priority. She adored her daughters and especially loved her grandsons. She will be fondly remembered for her devotion to family, education, church and to the students of Southwest Baptist University. Her footprint of faith and dedication to her Lord will follow her into eternity and no doubt she will be welcomed with “Well done thou good and faithful servant…..enter into the presence of the Lord.” Memorial Contributions may be made to the, Judy Taylor Beautification Fund, 1600 University Avenue, Bolivar, MO 65613

Judy Nell Taylor

February 15, 1947 - March 26, 2016