Patricia “Pat” Taylor Melton, 78, passed away Saturday, Aug. 31, at the hospital in Rutland with family at her bedside.
Pat was born on Oct. 15, 1945, in New Albany, Mississippi to the late George Ocie Taylor and Annie Elzine Gadd Taylor.
Patricia “Pat” Taylor
She was predeceased by her sister Georgia Taylor Fisher, and brother Robert Louie Taylor.
She leaves behind her brother Don Ocie Taylor (Jane), her daughters Gina Lynn McCullar Griffin (Dwayne), Geri Lane McCullar Whittaker (Robert Ranberg), her son Robert Earl “Bubba” Bills II (Tennile), and 12 grandchildren: Dane Jesty Griffin, Drew Anthony Griffin (Emily), Dari Lynn Griffin Dufrene (Regan), Debra Lane Whittaker Dismuke (Ryan), Erica Ann Whittaker Fleming (Jeremy), Eric Walter Whittaker Jr, Brittany Lynn Whittaker Rios (David), Tracy Elizabeth Whittaker, Justin Michael Whittaker (Maricielo), Daniel James Whittaker, Joseph Paul Ranberg, Emily-Taylor Bills, and 7 great-grandchildren: Dante Uriel Rios, Graeme Donald Fleming, Daisy Aemilia Rios, Tysen Walter Fleming, Ava Elzine Rios, Avery Peter Fleming, Atticus James Dismuke, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Pat grew up on a farm, and went to Northwestern Mississippi Junior College after graduating from Hickory Flat Attendance Center in 1963. She had a variety of jobs in life and was retired at the time of her passing. She lived in Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Vermont.
Pat was strong-willed yet open-minded. She was hard-working and determined, but not envious. Her mother taught her kids to do what is right, and to leave everything in God’s hands. She was not fearful, and her character was sound. She loved her life and cherished her family, friends, and animals, especially her grand-dogs Jolie and Raven, who both passed before her.
She truly is a beautiful soul, and will be missed by many.
Pat was celebrated at a small gathering held for her in Bridgewater, as many of her close friends and family were far away. Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.
