April 27, 1942 ~ August 4, 2025 (age 83)
We come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Barbara “Betty” Taylor, a source of warmth and joy to all who knew her. Betty was born on April 27, 1942, in Lanett, Alabama, and left this world peacefully at her residence in Valley, Alabama, on August 4, 2025. Throughout her 83 years, Betty’s infectious smile and compassionate spirit deeply touched those around her.
Betty embodied the true essence of love and friendship, forming the cornerstone of her family as the beloved wife of James Taylor for 67 remarkable years. Her unwavering love and support extended to her cherished daughters, Denise Hill and Suzy Chavez, and to her adored grandchildren Amber Tharp, Aubryn Shivers, accompanied by her spouse Patrick, Noe Chavez with his spouse Kelly, and Anthony Chavez. The light of Betty’s life shone even brighter with the arrival of her great-grandchildren John Patrick Shivers, Taylor Blade Shivers, Adrian Noah Chavez, and Gabriella Taylor Chavez.
Betty is survived by her caring sister, Yvonne Caldwell, and her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Sparks. She was preceded in death by her parents, LD and Frances Sparks, and her brother, Joel Sparks, but the values and love they instilled in her lived on through her deeds and devotion to her family.
Professionally, Betty’s dedication was evident in her impressive 45-year career at West Point Pepperell, and she took pride in her role, positively impacting the lives of her colleagues. Her survivors remember a spirited woman who, after beating cancer in 2006, continued to tackle life with grace and resilience. As a 50-plus-year member of the Fairview Baptist Church, Betty raised her voice in song, a faithful member of the choir lifting others’ spirits.
Betty’s fondness for her community was matched only by her love of sports, as a devoted fan of Auburn University and Notre Dame, cheering spiritedly for her teams. An affinity for wrestling and the simple pleasure of being in the presence of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren illustrated the breadth of her interests and the depth of her familial devotion.
Describing Betty as loving, friendly, and thoughtful only scratches the surface of the story that was her life. She had the exceptional ability to meet no strangers and always looked at life with optimism that was contagious to everyone around her.
Funeral services for Betty will be held on Thursday, August 7th, 2025 at 2:30 PM (EDT) at Fairview Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Fairfax Cemetery. Pastor Carl Benedict will officiate. Betty’s family will receive friends Thursday afternoon at the church from 1:30 PM (EDT) until the service hour.
In lieu of flowers, Betty’s family requests that donations be made to the Fairview Baptist Church Choir in her memory.
Please visit Betty’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for her family, to share a memory of Betty, or to light a Remembrance Candle in her memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.
