Mrs. Vivian Dean Taylor, 74, of Clara, MS passed from this life Monday, February 16, 2026, at Brookwood Villa Personal Care Home in Waynesboro, MS. She was born in Laurel, MS on Tuesday, May 1, 1951, to the late Roland Robert Dean, Sr. and Maudie Vee Dean.

Vivian faithfully served as secretary for the Wayne County Baptist Association for 52 years, a role she carried out with dedication and quiet strength. She was also a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Clara for more than 60 years. Over the decades, she served as church secretary, Sunday School teacher, WMU director, Social Committee chair, Vacation Bible School leader, and a member of countless committees. She simply loved her church and was always willing to step in wherever she was needed.

Vivian had a special heart for missions. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, Edwina Robinson Special Day Offering, and Global World Hunger were especially meaningful to her. Supporting these causes was not just something she did, but something she truly believed in.

Vivian proudly served in multiple leadership roles with the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States Auxiliary, including president, vice president, secretary, and area director, earning numerous awards for her dedication and service. She also served as president, vice president, and longtime secretary of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Mississippi, where she was honored with many awards, including Spouse of the Year.

In addition to her leadership roles, Vivian was deeply committed to supporting military families. She volunteered with the National Guard Family Program Advisory Team and faithfully served at the Mississippi National Guard Youth Camp, always showing up with a heart for others and a willingness to help wherever she was needed.

The family will never be able to adequately thank all Vivian's caregivers, church family, and friends for the support provided to her, but our Savior knows who you are and how much we appreciate you all. Memorials may include flowers or donations to First Baptist Church in Clara (PO Box 15, Clara, MS 39324) for any of the special Missions Offerings or Gideon Bibles or to the EANGUS "We Care for America" Foundation, Inc. (1 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 880, Washington, DC 20001), or any other charity of the donor's choice.

Vivian is preceded in death by her husband of 49 plus years Jerry Wayne Taylor; parents, Roland R. Dean Sr. and Maudie V. Dean; grandparents, Grover and Lula Bunch and Robert Edward and Bama Dean; She is survived by her brothers, Robert Dean (Carole) and Richard Dean; brothers-in-law; Jimmy (Janis) and Joe (Teresa) Taylor; nieces Melissa Taylor, Ashley Dean, and Nichole (Darrin) Caddell; nephews Nicky Joe, Stephen Matthew (Laura), and Jeffrey (Melissa) Taylor, Richard Chase (Misti) and Ronald Brett (Bre) Dean, and Jason L. (Marsha) Sehon; and much loved great nieces and great nephews (to whom she was known as "Aunt Doodie" to Allie and Brenon), and honorary kids; very special friends Maggie Lofton, Latricia Mills, Connie Myers and Paula Carrigan.

Visitation for Mrs. Taylor will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Clara First Baptist Church, 35 Clara School Road Waynesboro, MS 39367. Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Clara First Baptist Church in Waynesboro, MS. A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00 PM Friday, February 20, 2026, with Rev. Jason Sehon and Bro. Paul Holyfield officiating. Interment will be in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 248 Honor Circle Newton, MS 39345. Honorary Pallbearers are David Sumrall, Paul Holyfield, Rusty Bradford, Will Mason, Ronnie Lofton, Mackie Beasley, Jay Jay Mills, Brenon Sehon, and Alvin Cook.