Elizabeth "Liz" Ann Taylor (1931–2025)

Elizabeth "Liz" Ann Taylor lived a generous, thoughtful, and abundantly engaged life alongside her beloved husband, Richard "Dick" Taylor, in their adopted home state of Arkansas. Together they embraced civic and religious service, a commitment to healthy living, and-above all-a deep devotion to one another grounded in respect, partnership, and love. A lifelong independent thinker, Liz was a constitutional and personnel rights activist as well as a supporter of the ACLU and its civil liberties efforts. These views along with Dick's more conservative views provided for lively family discussions. Their shared commitment to supporting charitable causes and helping those facing hardship helped defined their life together.

Elizabeth Ann Paulson Taylor, 93, of Camden, Arkansas, passed away on December 2, 2025, at Silver Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Camden, where she had been a resident since suffering a stroke in 2021.

Liz was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 73 years. Until Dick's passing on July 30, 2025, they remained inseparable; after Liz could no longer live at home, Dick visited her faithfully every single day.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, John Arthur Paulson; sisters, Peggy Jean Paulson Nabal and Jane Louise Paulson Runk Tracey.

Liz is survived by her three sons: Matthew (Debbie) of Orange, Texas; Tim (Briann) of Aledo, Texas; and Stuart (Donna) of Austin, Texas. She and Dick were blessed with six grandchildren: Brandon Taylor, Katy Taylor Shippey, Megan Taylor, Alex Taylor, Jordan Taylor, and Dr. Madison Taylor Shelton, and four great‑grandchildren.

Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, on December 18, 1931, Liz was the daughter of John Arvid Paulson and Mabel Geraldine Gracey. Her grandparents were immigrants from Sweden and Canada. She took pride in her Swedish heritage, a sentiment influenced by her father, who proudly displayed a "Thank God I'm Swedish" bumper sticker.

Liz's love of language and literature was lifelong. She published several short stories, including one in Redbook. After graduating from Bradford High School in 1949, she courageously left the familiarity of home to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree focused on English and Journalism. Her love of words extended into family life. She was a ruthless Scrabble opponent and was content destroying all challengers, even her grandchildren. Her secret weapon was her decades‑long devotion to the daily New York Times crossword puzzle.

Liz met the love of her life at the University of Missouri. Dick, immediately captivated by the blue‑eyed beauty working on a student government campaign, volunteered to paint posters just to be near her. Liz's interest in politics and supporting candidates she believed in became a lifelong passion.

Despite working multiple jobs during college and being barely able to afford a proper date, Dick won Liz's heart, and they married in Bradford, Pennsylvania, on June 26, 1952. After a short honeymoon to nearby Niagara Falls, Dick left for Army basic training and then Korea for two years.

While Dick was overseas, Liz completed her degree and courageously embarked solo on their new life together, laying the foundation for the Taylor family's future. She purchased their first car and drove 1,100 miles to Rison, Arkansas-population 953-where she secured an apartment and prepared for Dick's return. It was there that Dick began his 41‑year career with International Paper Company (IPCO) in 1954.

As Dick's career advanced, the family moved first to Sheridan, then to Benton, where their sons Matthew (1956), Timothy (1958), and Stuart (1962) were born. Liz embraced her role as a full‑time mother while continuing to volunteer for causes close to her heart.

In 1969, the family moved to Camden, where Liz and Dick became deeply woven into the fabric of their forever community over the next 56 years.

After Dick's retirement in 1996, the couple immersed themselves in their love of travel. Their adventures took them to British Columbia, Brazil, France, Italy, Iceland, Germany, Egypt, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Turkey, Greece, Kenya, New Zealand, Holland, and more. They enjoyed European barge tours, floating down the Seine River drinking wine and visiting cities along the way. Liz supported Dick's passion for birding with memorable trips to Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, and Costa Rica-including one unforgettable day when Liz slid down a muddy South American mountainside in a rainstorm, laughing all the way.

Most of their cherished trips allowed them to take long walks in rural communities where they focused on cultural learning through stays in local homes. They also combined their love of travel with humanitarian service on mission trips to Mexico.

Liz and Dick were blessed with great friendships that enriched every stage of their lives. Their home was a gathering place full of conversation, laughter, and the kind of hospitality that made guests feel like family. Whether sharing meals, traveling with dear friends, participating in church groups, or enjoying spirited bridge nights, they nurtured relationships marked by loyalty, kindness, and genuine affection. These friendships became their extended family and sustained them through life's triumphs and challenges.

Liz and Dick were dedicated members of First United Methodist Church in Camden, where they served the community in countless ways. They were longtime members of the "Young Adults" Sunday school class, and Liz was a regular Sunday school teacher. Some of her most meaningful moments were spent volunteering at the church's Food Pantry, where she joyfully joined the group of faithful volunteers that regularly served meals to those in need.

Well into their eighties, Liz and Dick maintained a lifestyle that would tire people half their age. Daily walks of one to two miles around the neighborhood were sacred, always completed before "wine time." A friend once remarked that if she had a dollar for every mile Liz and Dick walked around the block, she'd be a millionaire.

Liz was also an avid swimmer. Each spring, she was the first person in the Country Club pool-regardless of temperature and she swam laps faithfully until the pool closed in the fall. With her sturdy Pennsylvania constitution, she would have swum year‑round if allowed. A talented athlete, she won the junior City Tennis Championship in Bradford, PA and later enjoyed many years of mixed doubles with friends - though preferably not with Dick as her partner.

In addition to her love of swimming and tennis, Liz also enjoyed annual ski trips to Colorado with close friends Bob and Amanda Wunnenberg. The Church sponsored ski trips became a cherished tradition.

Her competitive spirit also flourished at the bridge table. She played multiple days each week across several clubs and enjoyed many evening games with friends and couples.

Despite her many commitments, Liz excelled in civic and political service. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters (LWV), an early advocate of the Equal Rights Amendment, and a strong supporter of voter registration efforts. She proudly served on the State Board of Directors as Secretary, working closely with her dear friend Bobbie Hill, who was then the LWV State President. Liz used her writing and organizational talents to full effect, helping plan state events, attending national conventions, and helping coordinate gubernatorial debates.

She was a proud campaign volunteer for several successful Arkansas politicians – governors, senators and even a president – Winthrop Rockefeller, Joe Purcell, Dale Bumpers, David Pryor, as well as Bill Clinton were fortunate to have had Liz on their teams.

If that wasn't enough, Liz found time to participate in the New Century Club and served as Den Mother for her boys Cub Scout troops.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Mildred Wayne from Sweet Home Elderly Care and the staff at Silver Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for providing a loving and caring home during Mom's final years.  We also extend a special thank you to Amanda Wunnenberg who was always Mom's champion and made sure we were engaged with her care while we were spread across Texas.

Thanks also to Wednesday night's "choir practice" dinner group at the Postmaster's Grill who thoughtfully provided friendship and encouragement that helped sustain Dick and Liz during their final years.

Funeral service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Camden. Family and friends are invited to have lunch and greet the family at the Methodist Church after interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elizabeth's name to: Food Pantry / First United Methodist Church, 121 Harrison Ave SW, Camden, AR 71701