JoAnne Waller Taylor Bearden
JoAnne Waller Taylor Bearden passed away peacefully in Ruston. JoAnne was born on July 10, 1936, in Farmerville, to Herbert B. and Avis (Kennedy) Waller.
JoAnne grew up in Farmerville and graduated from Farmerville High School in 1954. She attended Louisiana College and Northeast Louisiana University. She married Lynwood Taylor and then had a family of four children. Her family was her life and was devoted to her children. She was so very proud of each one and their accomplishments.
She lived in various cities in the state of Florida and had numerous friends throughout the state. She was active in civic organizations and churches wherever she lived. The family resided in Pensacola from 1974-1989 where many close friendships were made. She was a very active member at Gonzalez Baptist Church, a suburb of Pensacola, Florida.
After the death of her husband, Lynwood, in 1989, she returned to north Louisiana and resided in Ruston. In the years to follow, she met and renewed a friendship with former classmate, Marion “Sonny” Bearden. They were married on November 17, 2001. JoAnne retired from Louisiana Tech University in 2003.
Her delight in later years was being near her grandchildren and watching them grow. She adored each one and considered herself blessed to be a part of their lives.
JoAnne entered eternal rest on March 31, 2023, and is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, and family members who proceeded her in death: son, James H. Taylor in 1984; husband, Lynwood Taylor, in 1989; father, Herbert Waller, in 1996; daughter- inlaw, Esmeralda “ Ezzie” Taylor, in 2002; husband, Marion “Sonny” Bearden, in 2008; mother, Avis Kennedy Waller, in 2009; sister, LaJean Waller Black, in 2019; grandson, Brian Duncan Kelly, in 2021; and, nephew Kenney Black, in 2022.
She is survived by daughters, Lynette Kelly and husband Duke, North Andover, MA, Melody Wood, Ruston; son, Patrick Taylor and wife Ashley, Ruston; grandchildren, Richard Paxton, Jr., James Wood, Suzanne Wood, Asen “ Ace” Poole, James M. G. Taylor, Bailey Taylor, Reid Taylor, Paxton Taylor, eight great- grandchildren and numerous cousins.
A private service will be scheduled at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association (P.0. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284- 0692), Epilepsy Foundation (8301 Professional Place, Landover, MD 20785), or to Holmesville Baptist Church, Downsville, LA 71234.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes. com.
