Mary Lee Taylor was born on March 3, 1943, to the late Meredith "Hog" Tyler and Sarah Johnson Tyler in Bon Wier, Texas. From her earliest days, Mary lived a life marked by quiet strength, grace, and unwavering Faith in God until she answered the call on April 13, 2025, and went home to be with the God she served.

She was educated in the Bon Wier area and graduated from Kerr High School. A firm believer in the power of education, Mary pursued higher learning, earning a Bachelor's degree before meeting the love of her life, Harry Taylor, in Houston, Texas, Their bond grew strong, and together they built a beautiful life, raising four children: Tyc, Tonya, Kimberly, and Tammy. Mary later earned her Master of Arts in Education from Prairie View A&M University. She then returned to her roots in the Sand Jack Community, where she and Harry planted deep roots. She began her teaching career at Biloxi ISD, served at Brookeland ISD, and eventually found her home at Newton ISD, where she faithfully served for over 40 years, encouraging and nurturing every student she encountered. Mary had a passion for children, and she poured her heart into educating.

A devoted woman of faith, Mary worshiped at Live Oak Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor Terry Walter, Sr. She humbly served as church secretary for more than 20 years. Her commitment to ministry reflected her Proverbs 31 spirit — a woman clothed with strength and dignity, whose words were filled with wisdom and kindness.

Mary was also an active community leader, serving as President of the Concerned Citizens of Biloxi Community (CCOBC). She was known for her elegant presence, her impeccable home, and her legendary cooking. Mary was dceply caring, thoughtful, and articulate — a woman who led with both grace and purpose.

Following the untimely passing of her daughter Tonya, Mary and Harry lovingly raised their grandsons, Toddrick and Broddrick, continuing to provide the same nurturing spirit and strong foundation she gave to her own children.

Her life beautifully exemplified Proverbs 31:28 — 'Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.' Mary Lee Taylor was a virtuous woman, a loving matriarch, and a faithful servant of God. Her legacy lives on through every life she touched.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents: Meredith and Sarah Tyler; husband: Harry Taylor, daughter Tonya Taylor, grandchild: Tye Taylor, Jr. (Kameron); siblings: Oscar "Tom", Joel, Carl JD. "Smokey", James, John, Charlic, Melin, Sr, Chester and Lester Tyler, Myrtie "D.D.", Ella Retha "Cindy", Charlene, Emma Lee and Eloise Diggles.

She leaves a legacy to cherish to her children: Tye Taylor, Sr. (Dezra), Kimberly Taylor, Tammy Stanford; grandchildren: Desmond Brown, Toddrick Pendland, Broddrick Pendland, Tylesheid Taylor and Rome Stanford, great grandchildren: Serenity, Braylei Rae, Naveah, Jrue, Zanobia, Broddrick, Jr., Aleena, Kanum, Ty tianna, Marli and Kolin Siblings: Loisene "Lou" Hawthorne (Raymond) and Doris Rosemon; special nephew. Ira Joe Diggles. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who she loved.