Monroe County Herald mourns the loss of our matriarch and friend

We are sad to report that our beloved Garnette Duncan Traylor, former Herald staff member and “Mimi” to our Editor/Publisher Hayden Taylor, passed away about 12:30 am on December 14, 2019. She was at the Elvis Presley Trauma Center in ICU following a head injury resulting from a fall on Tuesday, December 3.

Though her life was abruptly ended in a tragic way, Garnette’s story has been quite incredible. She spent several decades married to the love of her life, Drury Traylor, and they raised a beautiful, intelligent, talented daughter, Beth, and fully embraced Larry Taylor when he and Beth were married, welcoming him as their own son. They were strong influences in raising their grandson and granddaughter, Hayden and Catherine, who are intelligent and talented themselves, instilling in them integrity, compassion, and doing the right thing.

Garnette followed Drury wherever he went (and vice versa), even spending several years after retirement as missionaries in Beliz. Their life has been filled with adventure, fun, humor, music, family and friends. She always had a story to share from someplace they’d been or something they’d done together - for they were not often apart.

She will always be remembered as a beautiful, Southern lady who had grit, grace, and could cook like nobody’s business! Her wide smile charmed many and her nurturing personality made it easy to feel her care and concern. Tossing out a sassy “Southernism” was second nature to Garnette, and she was full of those phrases - always having a suitable one at the ready!

We love her and miss her already. Visitation will be at 1 pm on Wednesday, December 18 at First Baptist Church fellowship hall in Brinkley. Services will follow in the sanctuary at 2 pm. Arrangements are provided by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home.