October 12, 2023, 89, Kinston —

October 4, 1934 – October 12, 2023

Benjamin (Ben) Marcellous Taylor passed away peacefully at the Spring Arbor Cottage, surrounded by his family on Thursday night, October 12, 2023, after a battle with Alzheimer’s and cancer. He was born in Lenoir County to the late Marvin and Doris Suggs Taylor on October 4, 1934. He had just celebrated his 89th birthday.

Ben was a farmer from an early age until health problems prevented him from continuing what he loved. He enjoyed mowing grass with his John Deere lawnmower, working in his vegetable garden, and fishing as long as he was able.

He was a faithful member of Bethel FWB Church in Kinston from 1984 until last year when his health prevented him from attending. He always enjoyed talking with his church friends.

A Service of Love and Remembrance will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 3:00 pm in the chapel of Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange. Rev Chris Truett and Bert Potter will officiate. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at the funeral home immediately following the service, and at other times at the family home. Committal will take place at Pinelawn Memorial Park on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 11:00 am.

Ben is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Mary Beaman Taylor, his beloved daughter, Karen Taylor Creech, and husband, Bryan, whom he loved like a son; sisters-in-law, Edna Taylor, Ruth Ellen Varnell, and Cile Beaman; and brother-in-law, Fred Beaman. In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his sister, Faye Ballard, and his brothers, Brantley Taylor and Donald Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Spring Arbor Cottage unit in Kinston for the excellent love and care provided to Ben over this past year.

Online condolences can be made at www.rousefh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange, NC.