Cleo Deane Taylor

Cleo Deane Taylor, a native of Vancleave, MS, and former resident of Seashore Highlands Assisted Living in Gulfport, died at Greenbriar Nursing Facility in D’Iberville, MS on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the age of 105.

She was preceded in death by her parents George Anders Tootle and Lessie Olivia Tootle, her husband Maurice C. Taylor, her daughter Maureen Brown, her sisters Ivon Roberts and Clara McBride, and her brothers George Anders Tootle, Jr., Archie Tootle, and Harvey Tootle.

She is survived by her son Clifton Donnel (Donnie) Taylor and his wife Carol, grandchildren Clifton D. Taylor, Jr., Donna C. Taylor and husband Joe Calhoun, John C. Taylor (Stacey), James M. Taylor (Jessica), Kevin Roberts, 11 great-grandchildren, four nieces, and two nephews.

Cleo was a graduate of Vancleave High School, in the class of 1939. After graduation, she was employed at the Pascagoula Woolen Mill and then Ingalls Shipbuilding. She became a full time homemaker after the birth of her second child. In 1960, she resumed working outside the home and was employed as the secretary of Vancleave School until her retirement in May of 1978.

As a long time member of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church of Vancleave, she was very active in the United Methodist Women and served in many church leadership positions. In addition to church activities. she enjoyed reading, gardening, listening to southern gospel music, and camping with her husband.

Funeral Services will be held at Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, 911 Porter Ave., Ocean Springs, MS, on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 11:00 am. Friends may visit from 9:30 am until service time. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Methodist Cemetery, 13900 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Vancleave, MS.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Cleo Deane Taylor.