Esther L. Taylor – Benton

Esther L. Taylor, 96. of Benton, passed away Thursday morning, March 5, 2015 at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor.

She was born in Harco, IL on April 4, 1918, the daughter of Ezra and Marie (McFarland) Galbraith.

She first married Lannie Anderson. She then married Cecil E. Taylor, on July 18, 1955 and he preceded her in death.

Mrs. Taylor was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and was a licensed beautician.

Mrs. Taylor was baptized for the remission of her sins on Feb. 13.

She is survived by one daughter, Sandra Gant and husband Russell, of Benton; a daughter-in-law, Sheila Jones and husband Cliff, of Benton; four grandchildren, Duane Anderson and wife Meggin, of Colorado, Shannon Phillips and husband Chad, of Johnston City, Sherry Collier and husband Garrett, of Benton and Joe Gant and fiancee LaShaya Barron, of Benton; four great-grandchildren, Kameron, Kendra, Meghan and Marlee Jo and a great-grandson on the way, Ryan; two step-grandchildren, Samantha and Jocob.

Mrs. Taylor was preceded in death by her parents, husband, by a son, Gene Anderson, by her stepfather Stweart Hogan and by her stepmother Gertie Galbraith.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the First Christian Church in Royalton. Visitation will be after 1 p.m. on Sunday at the church.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.