Mrs. Jettie F. (Betts) Walker Taylor, age 99, currently of Florissant, MO, entered her eternal glory on Friday, July 10, 2026.

She was born on November 15, 1926, in Booneville, MS, one of ten children of the late Reverend Ed Frank and Dollie (Nunn) Betts. At the age of 15, Mrs. Taylor's family relocated to Hayti, MO, where she attended Hayti Central High School, later earning her diploma in 1968. As a teenager in Hayti, MO, Jettie went door to door with her father, helping re-establish a Methodist Church and named it St. Lukes, an endeavor of which she was always proud.

In 1946, Mrs. Taylor was united in marriage to the Reverend William Eraster Walker in Hayti. Of this union, her three oldest children were born. He preceded her in death on June 1, 1955. She was later married the Reverend Henry L. Taylor in 1960 and together, they welcomed her youngest three children. They shared 48 years of marriage until his passing on June 28, 1998.

Mrs. Taylor valued hard work and had a strong work ethic that she carried throughout her life. Following high school, she began caring for the families and children of local doctors until she went to work as an office aide in the medical office of Dr. John Duckworth in the 1950s. She also proudly served as the first city clerk of Hayti Heights, MO, newly incorporated, for 5 years before taking a job as a nutrition aide for the Needy Family Program under the direction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Her last position was with the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Cooperation (DAEOC) Ross Head Start as a Counselor. She retired from the position in 1998 after a dedicated career. She was awarded a plaque for her efforts that read, "In grateful appreciation to Jettie Taylor for dedicated services to the children and families of Delta Area Head Start Program – 1996." Her work ethic and the impact she left on the corporation will be remembered for years to come.

Her faith was a central part of Mrs. Taylor's life that framed the very way she lived. She was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church in Hayti and later in life, a devoted member of Second Baptist Church in Jefferson City. She was a faithful leader and teacher for various small groups, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible Schools, as well as the President of the Adult Senior Ministry. Mrs. Taylor also enjoyed singing in the Community Choir made up of members from various churches in the bootheel. She was a member of the Women's Missionary Union (WMU) 5th Sunday Choir.  Her devotion to radiating Christ's love was evident in the way she served and gave in any capacity she could.

Mrs. Taylor not only served in a church setting but was quick to offer help in other community events and activities. She served as the President of the Hayti School District Parent-Teacher Association for several years. She had a passion for assisting the elderly and young families and even led the monthly outreach services at a nursing home in Jefferson City. She used her skills, including her extreme organization, to help manage properties for absent property owners and help friends in need. One thing Mrs. Taylor will always be remembered for was her famous pound cake (secret recipe) that she baked, shared, and sold to anyone and everyone. The level of care and love she extended to family, friends, and community members alike is a large part of the legacy she leaves.

Above all, Mrs. Taylor was devoted to her family. As one of ten children, she and her siblings nurtured a strong bond that lasted the duration of their lives. The sweetest sound could be heard from their home as they sang in perfect sibling harmony. She took pride in her children and the three generations that followed. She had a deep love for family reunions, gatherings, and she cherished visiting family in Booneville, MS, and Joliet, IL. Trips to visit her grandkids at college campuses, at their homes, and attending college graduations were among her favorite trips. Mrs. Taylor selflessly cared for her son, Joseph, through many health struggles until his passing in 2007.

She was known to many as a fierce encourager, someone to be counted on, and selfless to a fault. Her warm, powerful hugs and slaps on the back that seemed to get stronger with age, were her one-of-a-kind way of showing her love and affection for the people in her life. Her life can be summarized in her favorite scripture: "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." – Psalm 90:12 (KJV)

She is survived by her children, Rev. William J. Walker of Brown Deer, WI, Iva V. Presberry (Richard) of Jefferson City, MO, Phyllis Smith-Walker of Florissant, MO, Jettie Taylor Robinson of Hemet, CA, and Rev. Edward V. Taylor (Carol) of Hayti Heights, MO; grandchildren, William Sherard Walker (Terrie Lee), Andrea Lewis (Eric), Richard "Ricky" Presberry, Jr. (Jennifer), Dewayne Smith, Dwight Smith (Cynthia), James Bernard Robinson II (Erica), Edward Vernon Torrence, James Taylor (Kaitlin), Don Williams, II, Bronson Mason, and Alexis Mason; great-grandchildren, DeShondra Dright (Lynette), Kolby Lewis, Nia Lewis, Kai Lewis, Eli Presberry, Sam Presberry, Nicole Smith, Dwight Smith, Jr., Nicholaus Smith, Jayden Smith, Krista Smith, James Robinson, III, Ezrah Robinson, Eden Robinson, Eva Robinson, Kayleigh Williams, Caydee Torrence Clark, Brian Taylor, and Jolie Taylor; four great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and members of her extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Rev. William E. Walker; second husband, Rev. Henry L. Taylor; son, Joseph L. Taylor; granddaughter, Teresa Triggs; and nine siblings, Ellis Alonzo Betts (Mary), Forest Betts (Earlene), Mellie Betts Chambers, Myree Betts (Mary), Hettie Betts Foster (Leonard), Bertha Catherine Betts Thompson (Lamar), Andrew Betts (Annie Mae), William Vernon Betts (Edna), and Ed Frank Betts, Jr. (Lodell).

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Second Baptist Church, 501 Monroe St., Jefferson City, MO 65101. A Homegoing Celebration will begin at 12:00 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Second Baptist Church with the Reverend W.T. Edmondson, Sr. officiating.

An additional visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Faith Temple Complex, 320 Mallory St., Hayti, MO 63851. A second Homegoing Celebration will begin at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Faith Temple Complex. Graveside services and interment will directly follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Hayti, MO.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Second Baptist Church, 501 Monroe St., Jefferson City, MO 65101.