Etoie Hodges Taylor

1926 ∼ 2013

Etoie Hodges Taylor went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 22, 2013. She was an angel on earth and is probably the only angel in heaven named Etoie. Etoie was born on January 17, 1926 in Sunflower County, MS.

Etoie was preceded in death by her parents, James Calvin Hodges and Mary Belle Hodges; stepmother, Louise Hodges; daughter, Diane; sister, Marian and brother, Max. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, David G. Taylor, Sr.; son, David G. Taylor Jr. and wife, Jo Nell; daughter, Denise Young and husband, Tommy; brother, J.C. Hodges Jr.; grandsons Aaron Watson and Philip Watson; granddaughters, Kristi Resendez, Kimmi Williamson, Rachel Watson; 4 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 24 at First Baptist Church, Beaumont with Reverend David Cross and Reverend Larry Walker officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the service at 11:00 AM.

To know Etoie was to love her. She was known for her uplifting spirit and bright, sunny smile. She always saw the best in people. Etoie was a member of the "greatest generation", having lived through the 1930's depression and World War II. Etoie and David met at Mississippi College in 1944. They were married October 30, 1946 after he returned from the Army Air Corps.

Etoie was a substitute teacher for the South Park School District. She was the first president of the Sallie Curtis PTA. She was president of the Lamar Faculty Woman's Club. Etoie was a dedicated volunteer at Baptist Hospital for 35 years. She also was a wedding coordinator at First Baptist Church for 30 years.

Her work at First Baptist Church gave her the most rewards. She was director of the youth department for many years. She enjoyed chaperoning many trips and checking the roll for the youth choir. Etoie went to many mission trips to the Valley and to Indian reservations in Arizona. She was a member of the Esther Sunday School Class.

Etoie and David enjoyed traveling, having visited all 50 states, 18 foreign countries and 20 Caribbean islands. Etoie was the rock of the family. She was always there for whoever needed a kind word, encouragement, consolation or just to listen. She led by example. Kindness and grace were the substance of her life. Life without her will leave a huge hole that will be impossible to fill.

Memorial contributions may be made to the International Missions Board, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23230 or a charity of your choice

Condolences

Claybar Funeral Home April 30, 2013
Claybar Funeral Homes created a Tribute Video in memory of Etoie Hodges Taylor
Wally Mathews April 30, 2013
I count it as a honor and a privilege to have loved and been loved by this special lady! You will be missed, Etoie!
The Fitzgeralds April 30, 2013
We were so sorry to hear of you lost.We were not able to attend the services. Wish to express our condolences to the family Bill and Meredith.
Keith And Cyndi Evans April 30, 2013
Etoie always greeted us with that terrific smile and some sweet and encouraging words. Really loved knowing her for over 24 years. We will pray for you all and for God's strength and peace to flood your hearts and fill this void. With gratefulness for this servant of God! Keith and Cyndi Evans
Susan Horn Montagne April 30, 2013
Denise-David and Family My sincerest condolences are sent to your family in the loss of your mom. May sweet memories replace the sadness you are feeling now. Sincerely Susan Horn Montagne
Sharon Monk April 30, 2013
So many memories of FBC include Etoie and her wonderful family. She is walking with her Lord and with Diane once again and we will soon be walking with them too. May all of you feel the many prayers that are being lifted up as you celebrate her earthly journey. With love, Sharon
Kip Hall April 30, 2013
I met Mrs. Taylor (as I called her when I was 11 years old) in 1966 when my family moved into a rent house just down the street. Little did Mrs. Taylor know that a silly, loud little girl named Kip would soon become a part of her family and her daughter Nesi's, best friend. I ate many a meal and spent many a night in the Taylor house. She treated me just like one of her kids! Just as her obituary says, "To know her was to love her." I loved her and will miss her, and plan to see her again one day! Until then, she can depend on me to be Nesi's silly, loud, and devoted best friend. Love ya, Toi!
Doug Rogers April 30, 2013
Wonderful lady who meant a great deal to me.
Joan Carlin April 30, 2013
David and family, I will miss Etoie so very much. After I moved five years ago, we continued to talk on the phone from time to time. She had such a heart for people and loved me and my children and grands, always inquiring how each was doing. I know she had that kind of relationship with so many who will miss her greatly.
Cindy Gibson April 30, 2013
Our family will so miss Etoi! Such a lovely lady. I so enjoyed her chaperoning all those youth trips. She was the coordinator for my wedding and then graciously came out of retirement to coordinate Megan's. Etoi,a special name and person!!!!1
Sue Mathews Lyons April 30, 2013
Etoie was truly a wonderful example. She was our compass when we wanted to veer off the path many times.
Kathy Boudreaux Welch April 30, 2013
Wonderfull memories of a wonderful lady! So sorry for your loss, the world is a little less bright this day.
Eileen Kelley Turrentine April 30, 2013
Etoie played such and important role all through my life. When I was a child she was a loving and important role model. When I was a teen she was a person I went to for advice. When I became an adult she became a dear friend to me. We had such fun - especially when we were roommates at Glorieta!!! For my husband, Steve, she was a vital youth leader and sponsor and good friend. Heaven is richer with her there - but we on earth will miss her influence, love and friendship!!! Our hearts and prayers are with you David, Denise and all the family.
Gayle Colvin Timoteo April 30, 2013
My family & I are sorry for your loss, but know that Mrs. Taylor is with our Lord in heaven. Her smile & love for the First Baptist youth meant so much to me.
Mitzi &Greg Deal April 30, 2013
What a Precious person and family in growing up years. Thank you Lord!I am grateful to have Known you!A Blessing to SOOO countless many...
Mike Combs April 30, 2013
To all the Talor family. I am so sorry for your loss. Good memories last forever and I pray that joy will come to you each time you think about Mrs. Taylor.
Jan Graham April 30, 2013
What a Godly example of the Lord Jesus Mrs. Taylor was to me! She was always with us kids on all our trips and adventures. During our fun teenage years, she was like a Mom to me always making sure she knew where I was and that I made it safely home. She gave such joy and love all the time. Even last April 2012, she opened her "Bed & Breakfast" to Blake and I as we came to be with my Mom in the hospital. She will be missed so much by so many but what joy there is in heaven now as she and Diane are together rejoicing with Jesus this very minute. My prayers and love are with all of you, dear family. My love, jan
Rusty Mathis April 30, 2013
Momma 'Toie, 'nuff said.
Donna Hawkes April 30, 2013
Mrs Taylor - the love you gave is beyond description. I'm not sure how many of us young brides could have made it through our special day if you had not been there helping us along. Your memory carries on...
Debbie Fairchild Thornton April 30, 2013
You will surely be missed. My heart is heavy for your family but I know you are having a wonderful time with your Lord.
Jan Kingsbury April 30, 2013
My deepest sympathy for all of you. I know you will miss your mom so much. She was such a happy, sweet person who spent her life in service to others. You are in my prayers. With love.........Jan
Anonymous April 24, 2013
Etoie always greeted us with that terrific smile and some sweet and encouraging words. Really loved knowing her for over 24 years. We will pray for you all and for God's strength and peace to flood your hearts and fill this void. With gratefulness for ##imported-begin##Keith and Cyndi Evans##imported-end##
Anonymous April 24, 2013
We were so sorry to hear of you lost.We were not able to attend the services. Wish to express our condolences to the family Bill and Meredith.##imported-begin##The Fitzgeralds##imported-end##
Anonymous April 24, 2013
I count it as a honor and a privilege to have loved and been loved by this special lady! You will be missed, Etoie!##imported-begin##Wally Mathews##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
Mrs Taylor - the love you gave is beyond description. I'm not sure how many of us young brides could have made it through our special day if you had not been there helping us along. Your memory carries on...##imported-begin##Donna Hawkes##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
Momma 'Toie, 'nuff said.##imported-begin##Rusty Mathis##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
What a Godly example of the Lord Jesus Mrs. Taylor was to me! She was always with us kids on all our trips and adventures. During our fun teenage years, she was like a Mom to me always making sure she knew where I was and that I made it safely home. She##imported-begin##Jan Graham##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
To all the Talor family. I am so sorry for your loss. Good memories last forever and I pray that joy will come to you each time you think about Mrs. Taylor.##imported-begin##Mike Combs##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
What a Precious person and family in growing up years. Thank you Lord!I am grateful to have Known you!A Blessing to SOOO countless many...##imported-begin##Mitzi &Greg Deal##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
My family & I are sorry for your loss, but know that Mrs. Taylor is with our Lord in heaven. Her smile & love for the First Baptist youth meant so much to me.##imported-begin##Gayle Colvin Timoteo##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
Etoie played such and important role all through my life. When I was a child she was a loving and important role model. When I was a teen she was a person I went to for advice. When I became an adult she became a dear friend to me. We had such fun - e##imported-begin##Eileen Kelley Turrentine##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
Wonderfull memories of a wonderful lady! So sorry for your loss, the world is a little less bright this day.##imported-begin##Kathy Boudreaux Welch##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
Etoie was truly a wonderful example. She was our compass when we wanted to veer off the path many times.##imported-begin##Sue Mathews Lyons##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
Our family will so miss Etoi! Such a lovely lady. I so enjoyed her chaperoning all those youth trips. She was the coordinator for my wedding and then graciously came out of retirement to coordinate Megan's. Etoi,a special name and person!!!!1##imported-begin##Cindy Gibson##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
David and family, I will miss Etoie so very much. After I moved five years ago, we continued to talk on the phone from time to time. She had such a heart for people and loved me and my children and grands, always inquiring how each was doing. I know sh##imported-begin##Joan Carlin##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
Wonderful lady who meant a great deal to me.##imported-begin##Doug Rogers##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
I met Mrs. Taylor as I called her when I was 11 years old in 1966 when my family moved into a rent house just down the street. Little did Mrs. Taylor know that a silly, loud little girl named Kip would soon become a part of her family and her daughter Ne##imported-begin##Kip Hall##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
So many memories of FBC include Etoie and her wonderful family. She is walking with her Lord and with Diane once again and we will soon be walking with them too. May all of you feel the many prayers that are being lifted up as you celebrate her earthly ##imported-begin##Sharon Monk##imported-end##
Anonymous April 23, 2013
Denise-David and Family My sincerest condolences are sent to your family in the loss of your mom. May sweet memories replace the sadness you are feeling now. Sincerely Susan Horn Montagne##imported-begin##Susan Horn Montagne##imported-end##
Anonymous April 22, 2013
My deepest sympathy for all of you. I know you will miss your mom so much. She was such a happy, sweet person who spent her life in service to others. You are in my prayers. With love.........Jan##imported-begin##Jan Kingsbury##imported-end##
Anonymous April 22, 2013
You will surely be missed. My heart is heavy for your family but I know you are having a wonderful time with your Lord.##imported-begin##Debbie Fairchild Thornton##imported-end##