Georgia Taylor

Private family services were held for Georgia "Juanita" Taylor, who passed away on December 4, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born on May 9, 1928, in Roby Texas to George and Margaret Crenshaw. She was the oldest of 10 siblings. Her family moved to Artesia in the 1930s.

She married Buddy Taylor on March 3,1944, and they began a life of farming in the Cottonwood area. They were married for 59 years when Buddy passed away in 2003.

Juanita was known to everyone by "Nini", the name given to her by her grandchildren. Nini was a homemaker in the early years of her married life. She was an active 4-H leader and a busy member of the Cottonwood farming community. She and Buddy loved rodeo, showing horses, and county fair time. She loved spending hours upon hours taking her 4 children to horse shows and livestock shows. She was meant for a life in the country and farming. Later in her life she and Buddy became small business owners. At one time they owned multiple restaurants and businesses in Artesia. She retired from the restaurant business in 2001.

She believed that Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball player of all time, no offense to LeBron. She loved history and was an avid reader her entire life until her eyesight diminished. There wasn't a murder mystery she didn't love.

Nini was also a huge Artesia Highschool Football Fan even during her last few days on earth with us. We are all so very happy to know that she knew the Bulldogs won their latest State Championship a few days ago.

She made the best egg sandwiches in the world and loved her cups of coffee and her evening ice cream. Her grandchildren can all remember Christmas time at "Nini and Grandpa's" house. There was always an abundance of toys and love for them all.

She could play a mean game of dominoes and canasta and taught numbers and counting to the kids by playing those games.

Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were her focus in life. Family was her joy. They could do no wrong in her eyes. She loved them fiercely and was always glad to share stories of their latest activities and antics. The little ones gave her much joy and she was able to see them almost every day the last few years of her life. All of the family is so blessed to have had 5 generations strong for so long. Another blessing was Nini's sharp mind and memory that lasted until her death. She could recall people and details better than any member of the family could.

She is survived by her four children; sons Stan Taylor (Barby) and Tommy Taylor. Daughters Mary Gayle Wood and Janell Smith (David).

She is survived by her grandchildren; Leann Martin (Clark Messer), Dusty Taylor, Kelli Taylor (Grace), Jody Taylor (Ashley), Buddy Haider (Rachel), Leslie Lee (Chad), Marti Haider, Eddie Gail Kiefhaber (Skip), and Sandy Freeland (James).

She is survived by her great-grandchildren; Taylor Avery, Alexis Taylor, Tristan Taylor, Syrenity Youngblood, Gracelyn Taylor, Michelle Greene, Jasmine Martinez, Avah Haider, Trenton Lee, Brayden Lee, Halen Reck (Aaron), Dara Thomas, Jared Freedland, and Connor Freeland (Bri).

She is survived by her great-great-grandchildren; Addison Avery, Jaxon Avery, Maverick Avery, Judson Reck, and Linkin Reck.

She is also survived by one sister, Sue Ferguson and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Buddy Taylor, daughter-in-law Patti Taylor, son-in-law Jerry Wood, great-granddaughter Miranda Greene, and 8 younger siblings.

Services have already taken place under the care of Terpening & Son Mortuary.