A Celebration of Life Service was held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada for Elizabeth “Tena” Taylor, 79, of Grenada, who died peacefully on Friday, Aug. 25, surrounded by loved ones. Family and friends gathered from noon until service time on Sunday, Aug. 27, at McKibben and Guinn.
Tena was born on Dec. 28, 1943, at Grenada General Hospital, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Earnest Lee Rouse. After attending John Rundle High School where she was a majorette, she lived and worked all over the Southern United States. Upon returning to Grenada, she was an active leader in running the city in the ’70s and ’80s. When her husband retired, they relocated to Calhoun City where she was the human resources director for the local hospital and she became an avid bluebird conservationist. She adored her children and encouraged them to be their very best.
Tena led a life that reflected her beliefs and she was active in her church where she taught Sunday school for years. She began playing the piano by ear at the age of 8, and she also played the banjo and the accordion. She used her God-given musical talent to serve as pianist for many churches throughout her life. She also played for a gospel group, weddings and New Year’s Eve gatherings. Her faith was her life. Truly, the world is a better place because she was here.
Her husband, John Larry Taylor of Calhoun City; her father, Lee Rouse of Grenada; her mother, Francis “Bucy” Harper of Grenada and her grandson, Chad Payton of Grenada, preceded Tena in death.
Survivors include, her beloved children, Natalie Dautenhahn of Clayton, Ohio; Michael Curry (Amanda) of Holcomb; Holly Payton and Benji Britt (Memory), all of Elliott; her brothers, Butch Rouse (Brazzie) of Hickory; Bill Rouse (Theresa) of Batesville and Robin Rouse (Bonnie) of Gore Springs; her precious grandchildren, Emily Farley, Latham Farley (Katie), Fran Watts, Amanda Hines, Kristen Dautenhahn, Dru McCord, Cas Britt, Easton Curry and Baley Bowen; her great grandchildren, Cora, Kenzie, Clay, Evyn, Sylas, Beccan, Ayva, Ezra, Sadie, Oliver and Jovie and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The children wish to extend a special thanks to all family and friends for sharing their love, prayers and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to the North American Bluebird Society, P.O. Box 7844, Bloomington, IN, 47407 or ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
