Mary Lou Taylor, age 85, of Sikeston, died Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston.

Born August 9, 1937, in rural Scott County, MO, to the late Roy James Lovett and Lucille Pobst Lovett, she grew up in rural Scott County and was a graduate of Diehlstadt High School. She then moved to Sikeston where she would remain the rest of her life and had attended the First Baptist Church of Sikeston.  Mary Lou was never one afraid to work. She began her lifelong career in office management with First National Bank and was the first employee of Bootheel Counseling Service upon its formation. She went on to work at Jarvis Motor, Fleming's and the Missouri Delta Medical Center from where she retired.  In 1968, her husband bought the Sikeston Dry Cleaners where she worked as the bookkeeper for many years.  The business is now operated by her grandson, Aaron.

On July 14, 1957, she married Charles Michael Taylor, Sr., who preceded her in death on June 5, 2010.

Surviving is her son, Charles Michael (Carla) Taylor, Jr. of Sikeston; her daughter, Robyn (Chris) Brown of Charleston; her brother, Jim (Taryn) Lovett of rural Scott County; her sister, Connie Lovett Babb of Bertrand; her grandchildren, Aaron (Jamie) Taylor and Brit (Merritt) Taylor; great grandchildren, Luna and Elodie; as well as nephews, nieces, and cousins.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Taylor Charlinda.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 13, 2023, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston.  Rev. John McHaffie will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery at Sikeston under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com