Bennye Joy Speer Taylor

Bennye Joy was born in Yukon, Oklahoma as the fourth child to Clair Dale and Gertrude Harvey Speer. Early on the family moved to Tucson, Arizona where she spent most of her childhood. The daughter of a minister, Bennye learned moral and spiritual values from her family and precious Sunday School teachers. She often spoke of those values that became an important force in her life and carried her through great joys and sorrows.

When Bennye was a teen, the family returned to Oklahoma City where she met the love of her life, Gene Taylor. They married on his birthday in 1952 and soon relocated to Anchorage, Alaska in service to the Air Force. Bennye supported her husband in his 22-year career, often raising her family alone when Gene served remote tour assignments. Their career assignments included air bases in Alaska, Oklahoma, New York, California and Louisiana. Together they raised 3 children, Pat, Pam and Mike.

Serving God was a central theme of Bennye’s life. She made certain her own children attended church and led them by example, teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, singing in church choirs, visiting the sick and ministering to those in need, especially nursing home residents. She was in love with Jesus and it was her desire to tell others about His great love.

Together Gene and Bennye traveled to nearly 30 countries and 49 U.S. states. They also served as short-term missionaries to Haiti.

Bennye is preceded in death by her parents, Clair Dale and Gertrude Speer, her husband of 72 years, Gene, their son, Michael Gene Taylor, sister, Etta Fern Green, and brother, Glen Dale Speer. She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Hines (Bentley), and Pamela Melancon, her sister, Letha Frances Petrocelli, 7 grandchildren, Glen Melancon, Jonathan Hines (Erika), Chad Taylor, Aaron Melancon, Shawn Michael Taylor (Malinda), Elizabeth Hines Van der Werff (Paul) and Sarah Taylor Crysel (Chris). She enjoyed the love of 10 great-grandchildren and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Dr. Sally Ball, Willis Knighton Hospice, Anointing Hands Service and Ms. Julie Sitter for their amazing care and compassion.

A graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, located at the Northwest Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Road, Keithville, Louisiana, with Rev. John Korlaske to officiate.

Memorials may be made to Ellerbe Road Methodist Church, 10130 Ellerbe Church Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71106 or a charity of the donor’s choice.