Bettye Jo Smith Taylor

Bettye Jo Smith Taylor, 87, was born July 27, 1938 and passed away June 15, 2026 after a lengthy illness.

Bettye was born in Fouke, Arkansas and graduated from Bradley (AR) High School. After high school she moved to Shreveport where she met the love of her life. She and Bo were married on a Friday the 13th, but it was anything but unlucky. Together they started several successful businesses. She worked beside Bo, all the while keeping her three boys and house in order.

She was a member of Northwoods Baptist Church. Her generosity to her family and others was a testimony to her faith.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Jewel Irene Cox; stepfather, Horace Cox; father, John H. Smith; brother, John N. (Buck)Smith (Bennie); stepsisters, Mary Weinstein, Melba Cheney; stepbrothers, Kenneth Cox, Ben Cox.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Duwain (Bo) Taylor; three sons, Jeffrey W. Taylor (Alison), John R. Taylor, Joseph D. Taylor; four grandchildren, Jonathan D. Taylor (Anna), Jordan C. Taylor (Emilee), Beth Haddad (Alex), Blair Jackson (Woody); four great grandchildren, Noah, Ada, Wade and Annelise; two special nieces; Debbie Jo Stanford, Rachel Havill; and many relatives and friends.

A private memorial celebration will be held at a later date.