Nancy Jean Taylor

Nancy Jean Taylor, or “Granny Johnson” as she loved to call herself, went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on November 14, 2023 (her dearly beloved brother’s, Drue, birthday).  Nancy was one of a kind.  Fun, courageous, strong, caring, supportive.  And so much more.  She loved Jesus, loved her family, and loved her friends. 

Nancy was born in Gulfport, MS where she spent her entire life. She cherished the Mississippi Gulf Coast and graduated from Gulfport High, Class of 1964.  Nancy had many, many lifetime friends. She was a sweet, loyal friend to so many.

Nancy was a loving wife, a tireless caregiver, and a dedicated mom of three. She worked hard her whole life to provide for her family, and always gave more than she received, that was her nature. Nancy loved to cook for her family. Her favorite food: too many to list. Her favorite thing to do: laugh, just ask Barbara! Her favorite artist: Elvis, and "Don't Be Cruel" was her favorite song by The King. Her last words: "Thank You."

Family members there to welcome Nancy in heaven are her late husband, Hollis Taylor III; her daughter, Laura Beth Taylor; her grandson, Zachary Bryan Burkey; her parents, Robert Gordon Higdon and Jean Johnson Higdon; her brother and sister-in-law, Drue and Debbie Higdon; and her brother, Gordy Higdon.

Nancy is survived by her loving family, sons and daughters-in-law, Bruce and Bella Burkey, Bryan and Michelle Burkey; grandchildren, Jena, Drue and Quentin Burkey; sister-in-law, Jo Lynn Higdon, and Mike Layman, her companion of several years.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport. Friends may visit from 1:30 p.m. until service time. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Taylor family.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Canon Hospice, Mississippi Gulf Coast, 1520 Broad Ave, Ste 500, Gulfport, MS 39501.