Obituary – Betty Jean Newton Taylor

Published 9:44 am Monday, January 27, 2025

Betty Jean Newton Taylor, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and treasured great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Jan. 23 at the age of 86. Born on July 14, 1938, Betty was the beloved daughter of the late Edward Earl Newton, I and Dolly Phelps Newton. She was born in Greenville and graduated from Greenville High School in 1956. She lived all over the south supporting her husband’s pipeline construction business. The family eventually settled in Statham, Georgia in 1973. 

Betty was married to and survived by the love of her life, John William Taylor of Albertville with whom she shared more than 67 years of a blessed marriage. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Jeanne Taylor Cooper (Ronnie) and Johnna Taylor Connell (Wade), who lovingly carry forward her legacy of compassion and resilience. Her grandchildren, Courtney Cooper Rogers (Jay), Corey Cooper Leach (Gabe), Corbin Taylor Cooper, Caitlin Taylor Connell and Christen Lynn Connell, were her pride and joy. Betty’s legacy will continue to shine through her great-grandchildren Taylor-Marie Rosen, Ryleigh Rosen, Mercy Leach and Zane Leach who brought immeasurable happiness to her life. She is also survived by her brothers, Edward Earl Newton, III and James Robert Newton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews whose bonds with Betty are enduring and full of cherished memories. 

Betty lived a life of grace and love, always putting her family first. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered. The family held a funeral at Smith Memory Chapel in Winder, Georgia on Sunday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. Visitation was before the funeral beginning at 12 p.m. Interment followed at Barrow Memorial Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Betty’s memory to the American Diabetes Association. 

Mrs. Taylor was a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Georgia as well as the Order of the Amaranth. While leading the Order of the Amaranth she set record numbers for donations for Diabetic Research. Betty Jean Newton Taylor’s remarkable life and enduring love will forever be a blessing to her family and friends. She will be missed beyond measure and will remain forever in the hearts of those she touched.