Margie Olene Taylor

Margie Olene Nelson Taylor, age 87, passed away March 22, 2010 in Chautauqua Health and Rehabilitation Center. A native of Florala, Alabama, she was born to Arthur and Alma Nelson on April 7, 1922, her father’s birthday. She lived over 50 years in Lockhart, Alabama and attended the Lockhart Baptist Church, Ladies Bible Study Group, Garden Club, and Florala Senior Citizens Center Activities. Her early working experience was in retail sales, owning/operating a small grocery store, flower nursery, child care service, and a laundry-mat. A child of the depression, she learned early to be frugal and how to use and re-use everything,which led to a lifelong interest in collecting and recycling. Witty, friendly, compassionate and generous by nature, she enjoyed helping people, especially those in need. Until her health no longer permitted, she enjoyed volunteering and assisting at the Florala Christian Life Center. Her deep love and knowledge of flowers and plants was always obvious, especially in the springtime when her yard became a showplace of blooms and beauty. She was happy sharing flowers, bulbs, plants, seed, cuttings and how-to-grow advice with family, friends and strangers alike. While receiving care at Parthenon Healthcare in Crestview and Chautauqua Rehab and Nursing Center in DeFuniak Springs FL, because of her love and wearing of hats, she became affectionately known and admired as “The Hat Lady.” The family will forever be grateful to both nursing staffs for their care and assistance. In addition to her parents, her husband, William W. Taylor, Jr., and son, Mickey Cox, preceded her in death.

Survivors are daughter, Martha A. Hayes and husband Lamar, DeFuniak Springs FL; son, Joe Cox and wife Margie, Dayton, Tennessee; grandson, Mike Cox, and daughter-in-law, Betty Cox, Pensacola; sisters: Inez Hart, Gainesville FL, and Marie Mize, Watkinsville GA; nieces, nephews, cousins and long-time friends, all special to her.

Floral arrangements will be accepted or memorials may be made in Mrs. Taylor's memory to Lockhart Baptist Church. A time of visitation will be one hour prior to funeral time. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 24, 2010 in Evans Funeral Home Chapel in Florala, Alabama. Burial will follow in the Taylor Family plot in Florala Greenwood Cemetery.