Elizabeth "Tena" Taylor, 79, of Grenada, MS, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her beloved children Natalie Dautenhahn of Clayton, OH; Michael Curry (Amanda) of Holcomb, MS; Holly Payton and Benji Britt (Memory) of Elliott, MS; her brothers Butch Rouse (Brazzie) of Hickory, MS; Bill Rouse (Theresa) of Batesville, MS; and Robin Rouse (Bonnie) of Gore Springs, MS; and her precious grandchildren Emily Farley, Latham Farley (Katie), Fran Watts, Amanda Hines, Kristen Dautenhahn, Dru McCord, Cas Britt, Easton Curry and Baley Bowen; and her great grandchildren Cora, Kenzie, Clay, Evyn, Sylas, Beccan, Ayva, Ezra, Sadie, Oliver and Jovie along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tena was preceded in death by her husband John Larry Taylor of Calhoun City, MS; her father Lee Rouse of Grenada, MS; her mother Francis "Bucy" Harper of Grenada, MS; and her grandson Chad Payton of Grenada, MS.

Tena was born on December 28, 1943, at Grenada General Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Earnest Lee Rouse. After attending John Rundle High School, where she was a majorette, she lived and worked all over the southern United States. Upon returning to Grenada, she was an active leader in running the city in the seventies and eighties. When her husband retired, they relocated to Calhoun City where was the Human Resources Director for the local hospital, and she became an avid bluebird conservationist. She adored her children and encouraged them to be their very best.

Tena led a life that reflected her beliefs, and she was active in her church where she taught Sunday School for years. She began playing the piano by ear at the age of 8, and she also played the banjo and the accordion. She used her God-given musical talent to serve as pianist for many churches throughout her life. She also played for a gospel group, weddings, and New Years' Eve gatherings. Her faith was her life. Truly, the world is a better place because she was here.

The children wish to extend a special thanks to all family and friends for sharing their love, prayers, and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North American Bluebird Society at P.O. Box 7844, Bloomington, IN, 47407 or ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 1:00 PM Sunday, August 27, 2023 at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service.  Family and friends will gather from 12:00 noon until service time Sunday at McKibben and Guinn.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, ( 662-307-2694 ).