Patsy Taylor, 89, died April 2, 2023, in Dallas.
She was born Patsy Ann Gardenhire to Walter Van and Wanda Faye Rasmussen Gardenhire on Jan. 29, 1934, in Cisco. Her mother wanted to name her Patsy because she thought it was uncommon. Patsy was the number-one girl’s name in 1934!
A graduate of Cisco High School at age 16, she also received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Hardin-Simmons University and later a master’s degree in reading, also from Hardin-Simmons.
Her first teaching assignment was in Seminole, where she taught first grade. While there, she met Billy Joe Reynolds. Patsy and Billy Joe were married on June 25, 1955, in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
She was a first-grade teacher her entire career, teaching 23 years.
Patsy was a member of First Baptist Church, Cisco Civic League and Delta Kappa Gamma. She also taught Sunday School and played the piano for the 3and 4-year-olds and taught Vacation Bible School. In addition, she was a den mother for Cub Scouts and a taxi driver for ballet. She loved to bowl and play 42.
Mrs. Taylor was preceded in death by her first husband, Billy Joe Reynolds; and her second husband, Billy Joe Taylor.
She is survived by two sons, Van and Lisa Reynolds, and Brian and Linda Reynolds; two daughters, Meg and Mark Sneed, and Jill and Stephen Hotz; six grandchildren, Jake Reynolds, Joey and Hope Reynolds, Allison Sneed, Jan and Adam Mashburn, Will and Laurie Sneed, and Sam and Azile Hotz; and three greatgrandchildren, Sawyer Sneed, Charlie Sneed and Walker Sneed. She also is survived by her brothersin- law Brooks Reynolds and Johnny Futch; a sister-inlaw, Pat Futch; her only cousin, Janice Justice; and a number of nieces, nephews and the extended Taylor family.
A memorial service for Mrs. Taylor will be held at 3 p.m. April 15 at First Baptist Church in Cisco. Burial will be private. Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas has charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church-Cisco at 202 W. 9th, Cisco, TX 76437 or Cisco Elementary School Library, 503 W. 11th St, Cisco, TX 76437.
