Mary “Janet” Taylor

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Mary “Janet” Taylor, 86, originally from Blytheville, was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on April 30, 2023.

Janet was predeceased by her parents, James Marcus Taylor and Wilsie Alma Hassell Taylor, and her brother, Dr. Gary J. Taylor. She is survived by her sister, Judy A. Taylor, and nephews Brian Long, Quinn Taylor and Blake Taylor.

She spent her entire career in the Blytheville School District, serving as teacher, director of reading and elementary education, assistant superintendent and superintendent. She was also a part-time instructor for Park College at Blytheville Air Force Base.

Janet was selected Outstanding Young Educator by the Blytheville Jaycees in 1965.

She developed the reading readiness curriculum for the kindergarten program, started a summer enrichment program for elementary students, and wrote grants that brought artists-in-residence into the schools, K-12. She initiated the Partners in Education program, which culminated each spring with a large reception held at the Holiday Inn to honor the partner businesses and organizations and their volunteers.

She served as president of Northeast Arkansas Reading Council and of Zeta Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, Kiwanis Club, and Blytheville Chamber of Commerce. She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years.

After retirement, Janet pursued her hobby of painting and traveled extensively throughout the world.

Memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church, 701 W. Main Street, Blytheville, AR 72315.