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Cattie Elizabeth Kessler Taylor, 103, of Starkville, passed away May 7, 2024 at Bee Hive Homes in Starkville, Mississippi.
She was born on September 27, 1920 in Green County, Kentucky to Owen and Frances Taylor Kessler. Her father was a local entrepreneur and community leader.
She was married for over sixty years to E. Coleman Taylor, the love of her life, and together they settled in Starkville in 1951, where they built a thriving business and reared their two daughters. Reflecting her love of books, she was the librarian at Starkville High School until her retirement. She was involved with the Starkville Pilot Club, Order of the Eastern Star, enjoyed collecting books, reading, collecting feline art, spending time with her cats, and updating everyone on what William and Johnny were up to. Her grandsons were the twinkle in her eye, the sons she never had. Her shelves were packed with photos of William and Johnny. Williams high school and college friends still reminisce of their fond memories of hanging out at “Memaw’s house” every weekend. She wanted the boys around her constantly, and enjoyed hosting their friends, if it meant the boys were around more – even making sure the boys had bedrooms at her house. She was fond of William’s Mimosas, which he might have snuck to her on more than one occasion- at her request, of course!
She was preceded in death by her husband; daughters, Dixie Taylor McMillen and Frances Taylor Wells; parents; brothers, Robert Kessler and Ben Kessler; sister Janie Kessler; sons-in-law David McMillen and John Wells.
Survivors include her grandsons, William Taylor Watkins of New York, NY and John Ashley (Johnny) Wells of Columbus; niece, Peggy Kessler of Danville, KY; nephew, Michael Kessler of Lebanon, KY; step-grandchildren, Robert McMillen (Lisa Long), Eleanor (John) Green, and Randall McMillen (Whitney Hilton) all of Starkville; and five great-grandchildren, Anthony Green (Taylor), Edith Marie Green, Elaina McMillen, Cameron Long-McMillen and Galen McMillen.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home, 201 West Lampkin Street, Starkville. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at Oktibbeha Memorial Park.
Memorial donations are appreciated to Palmer Home for Children, 800 Baldwin Road S, Lake Cormorant, MS 38641, or a charity of the donor’s choosing.
