Helen Taylor

Helen Vaneda Sawrie Taylor, 86, of Beebe, Arkansas, passed from this life onto her eternal glory on Monday, July 12, 2021, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on November 25, 1934 in Paris, Arkansas to Arley Harden and Mary Lou Curtis Harden, her parents.

Helen and her first love, the late Virgil A. Sawrie, were wed on October 26, 1953. They made Arkansas their home, had 4 children, and were married for 35 years.

After the passing of her first love, she was wed to Kenneth Taylor on February 14, 1990 where they became a family of 10. Ken and Helen remained companions until her passing.

She was a devoted Christian and among her many accomplishments and successes, she was an outstanding mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She had a passion for serving others through her family-owned cafe, Helen’s Southern Kitchen in Beebe, where she retired.

She is survived by her companion, Kenneth Taylor of Beebe; one special sister, Floy Hough of Maricopa, Arizona; 3 children, Steve Sawrie (Jill) of Bradford, Ar., Becky Brockwell (Steven) of Beebe, Ar., Jeff Sawrie (April) of Quitman, Ar.; 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones.

Helen is proceeded in death by: her first husband, Virgil Sawrie; oldest son, Gregory Sawrie; one granddaughter, Kelsee Sawrie; one great-granddaughter, Effie Sawrie; her parents; 5 siblings; and many other loved ones who have gone on before her.

Loved ones will remember her by her contagious smile and generosity. Everyone is welcome to join them Thursday evening, July 15, 2021, 6:00-8:00pm, for a viewing at Smith Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe. Service will be at the Smith Westbrook Chapel on Friday, July 16, 2021, at 2:00pm. She will rest at East Shady Grove Cemetery in Greenbrier, Arkansas.