TAYLOR, Mary Elizabeth

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 07/28/2003 Mary Elizabeth Hawes Taylor of Snowflake, died Tuesday, July 15, 2003. Mary was born to Warren Albert Rue Hawes and Evalyn Miller Moore Hawes, Arizona Pioneer stock. The Hawes Clan came to Arizona and homesteaded in the Sulphur Springs Valley. Aunt Clementine Hawes Rucker taught school in Willcox, Bonita and Jerome. Uncle Arrend Hawes was a member of the Arizona Legislature, Uncle Boone Hawes was one of Arizona's first forest rangers and an Olympian pistol trials trainer and judge. In her father's job related travel, Mary traveled the country including Puerto Rico but finally settled in San Manuel where at the age of 14 met her future husband and soul mate Jerry. Mary received her Bachelors Degree in Education, Summa Cum Laude from ASU in 1975 and continued her education throughout the years. Mary was a talented and gifted teacher. She was an "Imagineer". During her years teaching at Bustoz Elementary and Bethany Christian School in Tempe and Lincoln Elementary in Corona, California, she was able to bring alive the Mayflower Expedition and create Mini-Societies in the classroom, teaching her kids what life was, is and can be like with education, social and financial skills. Mary left quite a legacy, truly making a lifelong impact on every child that she had as a student. They were drawn to her gentle "firmness" and she made every child and everyone around her feel loved and special. She will be missed beyond words. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Jerry A. Taylor Sr.; children Jerry A. Taylor Jr. (Bonnie), Beverly S. Taylor-Barton (Rick) and Michael S. Taylor (Rachael); grandchildren Brian Taylor, Amanda Taylor, Evlin Taylor; brother Warren A.R. Hawes Jr. (Peggy); and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, and infant granddaughter Lucille (Mike and Rachael). A "Celebration of Mary's Life" will take place Saturday, Aug. 2 at 3 p.m. at Tri City Alliance Church 1945 E. Guadalupe Rd. Tempe AZ 85283 and will follow up with refreshments and memories at Bethany Christian School 6304 S. Price Rd. Tempe, AZ. 85283. Mary's family would appreciate, in lieu of flowers, for those who wish, please send a small donation to Bethany Christian School, attention: Mary Taylor Scholarship Fund.