Bobbie LaJoy Taylor

Bobbie LaJoy Taylor, 94, passed peacefully at her home in Wichita, Kansas on March 8, 2026. She was born November 19, 1931, in Quitman, Texas, to Silas Jurdon Bird and Lucy Cozell Ross.

Born during the Great Depression, she developed the strength, resilience, and determination that would guide her throughout her life.

Bobbie married Joel H. Patterson on March 29, 1947. Together they raised four children and built a life centered on family and church until he passed away on January 29, 1977, in Tyler, Texas.

After retiring from Lee Jeans, Bobbie pursued a personal goal earning her GED. She then began a second career working at Drug-Sav where she enjoyed meeting and helping people in her community. She was a devout Christian. Her hobbies included floristry, baking, and reading.

Later, she married Cleatus Taylor on July 28, 1979, in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. They shared many happy years together until his passing on January 26, 2018.

Bobbie is survived by her children, Sandra Tinsmon, Joel Patterson, Lisa Collins, and Charles Taylor; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren (54 in total).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joel H. Patterson; son, Michael Scott Patterson Sr.; and husband, Cleatus Taylor.

A celebration of life will be held in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.

Arrangements in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.