Dec. 31, 1935 – Feb. 15, 2012

BROOKHAVEN — Gladys Irene Beach Taylor, 76, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, as the words of “Amazing Grace” were sung by those surrounding her bedside. She was no longer burdened by the pain her cancer caused.

Services will be at 11 a.m. today at Riverwood Family Funeral Service Chapel in Brookhaven.

Burial will follow at Gum Grove Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Riverwood Family Funeral Service.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time today at the funeral home.

A strong willed, confident woman, Gladys was born on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 1935. She was the first born of 10 children to Spurgeon and Myrtle Beach of Roxie. Her role as big sister and “little mama” to her siblings was never forgotten. On her 76th birthday, to her surprise, the remaining eight siblings gathered at her home for an afternoon of reminiscing about the love they shared growing up and included a tribute to their “little mama.”

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lealon H. Taylor; one brother, Wayne Beach; two nephews, Michael Beach and Trent Beach; and two sisters-in-law, Leatrice Beach and Shirley Beach.

Survivors include six brothers, Lamar Beach, Donald Beach and wife, Terry, Roy Beach and wife, Phyllis, all of Natchez, Billy Beach and wife, Jenny, Bobby Beach and wife, Lattiemore, and Gary Beach, all of Roxie; two sisters, Margie Rogers and Helen Spence and husband, Gene, all of Brookhaven; one sister-in-law, Dot Beach of Roxie; a special friend, Charles B. Smith; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Although God did not bless her with her own children, she played a special part in the lives of her number of special nieces and nephews. These children did not grow “under her heart,” but “in it.” She worked in hotel management most of her life and in her retirement, loved to garden and spend time with the family who loved her so dearly.

Online condolences may be sent to www.riverwoodfamily.com.