Parsons Educator Geneta "Neanie" Quinn Taylor Dies at 79

Geneta "Neanie" Quinn Taylor, 79, of Parsons, died Monday, March 16, 2026, at a Decatur County healthcare facility in Parsons, leaving behind a community that knew her as both a dedicated classroom teacher and the warmhearted grandmother her grandchildren called "Neanie."

A longtime educator in the Decatur County School System, Mrs. Taylor made a lasting impact on the lives of many students through what those who knew her described as a genuine love for learning and a caring nature that extended well beyond the classroom.

Her faith was equally defining. Mrs. Taylor was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for 52 years, finding deep joy in her church community throughout her life. Outside of school and church, she gravitated toward quieter pleasures: gardening, playing the piano, and spending time with her family. Nothing, by all accounts, meant more to her than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the name "Neanie" carried with it, as those close to her put it, warmth, love, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Mrs. Taylor is survived by her sons Steven Taylor of Parsons and David Taylor, with his wife Shelley, of Bath Springs, Tenn.; her daughter Lori McCollum and her husband Nicky of Parsons; five grandchildren, Lauren McGriff (Stephen), Dakota McCollum, Abby Hope Taylor, Pierson Hamm, and Peyton Hamm; five great-grandchildren, Sawyer McGriff, Aubrey McGriff, Ian McGriff, Eliana McCollum, and Alina McCollum; and her sister-in-law Nancy Quinn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian "Mammie" Quinn and Tom "Pappy" Quinn; her husband, James "Tony" Taylor; and her brother, Randy Quinn.

Visitation will be held at Parsons Mortuary on Tuesday, March 17, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., and again on Wednesday, March 18, beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing until the time of service. A full obituary is available through Parsons Mortuary and on Legacy.com, where the family's memorial page also offers options to send flowers or other condolences.