Retha Taylor

Retha Mae Taylor, age 90, of Biloxi, passed away on February 24, 2021.

Retha  was born Dec. 18, 1930, in Mishawaka, Indiana.  Her parents were John Forrest Penrose and Cleo (Laughman) Penrose.  She was married to Richard (Dick) Taylor (Handsboro, MS) for 57 years.

Prior to moving to Handsboro, Retha worked for eight years at U.S. Rubber Co. in Mishawaka.  She retired in 1990 after working 30 years at the Biloxi VA Hospital.

Retha was a devoted member of the Bay Vista Baptist Church in Biloxi, where she had many friends. She especially enjoyed the fellowship of her Sunday School Class and Crusaders luncheons.  She enjoyed working and participating in numerous events and programs at her church as well as attending the Friends luncheons at Popps Ferry Baptist Church.  Retha was an active member of the TOPS Club in Gulfport for over twenty years, where she made some dear friends and enjoyed the fellowship of the TOPS family.  Retha and Dick enjoyed RV camping with the Good Sam Club camping group and others.  Retha was a life member of VFW Post 2539, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 119, and DAV Chapter 5 in Gulfport.  She was also a long-time member of the Elks Lodge.

Retha was preceded in death by her husband (Dick); her stepdaughter, Connie Gail Ratcliff; her granddaughter, Max Gabrielle Taylor; her brothers John Penrose, Jr. (Tucson, AR), Verle Penrose (killed in Korean War) and, Percy Penrose (Granger, IN); and her sister, Patsy Joiner (Mishawaka, IN).

Retha is survived by her sisters, June (Jack) Landry (South Bend, IN), and Donna Bowen (OK); her brother, Leo Ray Penrose (Mishawaka, IN); her stepson, David (Kandyce) Taylor of Biloxi; her four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and, three great-great grandchildren.

She will be missed!

In lieu of flowers, Retha requested that donations be made to Bay Vista Church for special needs.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, with the visitation for family and friends starting at 9:30 a.m.  Burial will follow at Handsboro Cemetery, Gulfport.