Word Guild Taylor

If you ever had the joy of knowing Word Taylor, you know she lived her 89 years with courage, grace, a twinkle in her eye, and a heart that stretched wide enough to love her family, her friends, and every animal lucky enough to cross her path.

Born on August 19, 1935, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to George Nelson Guild, Sr. and Word Henderson Guild, Word grew up with one foot in the salt air of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the other firmly planted in the rich delta dirt of her family farm, Bellview, in Quitman County. It was there she first fell in love with horses—and, as with so many things in her life, she didn’t just dabble, she excelled. At age 15, she became the first female to win the Futurity in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, fearlessly leading her champion hound, Paleface, to the finish.

Word’s talents didn’t stop in the saddle. Always one to break barriers and chase her passions, she toured the Southeast as a jazz singer while attending the University of Alabama before transferring to the University of Mississippi, and then to Millsaps College where she earned a degree in economics. Her rich voice carried the warmth of her soul and her love of music would be a thread woven throughout her life whether in church choir, musical theater performances or vacation Bible school.

On July 22, 1956, at Bellview, she married the love of her life, Dr. Walter Travis Taylor. Together, they built a marriage that was a true partnership—anchored in love, laughter, and mutual devotion. Over the years, they welcomed five children into the world and family became Word’s greatest joy. Her children and grandchildren knew her not just as “Mom” or “Grandmother,” but by the most fitting nickname of all, “Mine.”

Word was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, George Nelson Guild, Jr.; her sister, Gene Guild Sheffield; her beloved Walter; her daughter-in-law, Sandy Taylor; and her precious granddaughter, Word Taylor Backstrom. 

She leaves behind a family who will forever carry her in their hearts: her daughter, Word Taylor Backstrom (Bill) of New Orleans; her sons, Walter “Buddy” Taylor of Madison, MS, Clint Taylor (Tarah) of Rogers, AR, Will Taylor (Linda) of Newnan, GA, and Guild Taylor of New York, NY. She is also deeply loved and remembered by her 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

The family would also like to express their gratitude to her caregiver Helen Quave.

Those who knew Word will remember her quiet strength, her fierce loyalty, her musical spirit, her deep compassion for animals, and her ability to make everyone feel truly seen. We have no doubt she was greeted in Heaven by her Lord and Savior, her dear Walter, and more than a few four-legged friends who once found a home in her arms.

Her absence leaves an ache, but her love leaves a legacy—one that will continue to grow in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and all who were lucky enough to be loved by her. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humane Society of South MS or First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport.

Graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Biloxi National Cemetery. Celebration of Life party including a shrimp boil and live music will be held from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 1529 Magnolia St., #12, Gulfport, MS 39507.

 Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .