Highland Cemetery

Durant, Bryan County, Oklahoma

© Brown's Funeral Service
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Margaret Pearl Byers Taylor

October 21, 1943 ~ July 20, 2025

Margaret P. (Byers) Taylor left this world for the next early on Sunday, July 20th, 2025, surrounded by her loving daughters. She is preceded in death by her mother Norene Byers, father Virgil Byers, sister Pamela Byers, sister Phyllis Byers Kelly, and her loving husband Joe Taylor.

Born in Blanchard, OK, Margaret's family spent time Highlands, TX, then settled in Bryan County, OK where she attended middle school. There she met the love of her life, Joe Taylor, at age 14. They celebrated 60 years of loving marriage before his passing in 2023.

When she was 19 years old she went to Chautauqua, NY as an opera scholarship student and her love for that place was ignited. She went back nearly every summer since 1982 with her family and even sponsored several scholarship students to have the same experience she had in going to that beloved place to grow, explore, and celebrate learning.

The first person in her family to get a college degree, Margaret earned a BA in Music Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and went on to become a music teacher to many lucky recipients of her vast love of music. While she was a teacher she helped pay for her husband Joe to go to law school, an incredibly impressive feat at the time.

After having her three lovely daughters Margaret became interested in law school and decided to pursue her own legal career. One of only two women in her tract at the time, Margaret received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma.

She practiced both criminal and civil law, becoming the second female lawyer in Durant, OK. She gave much of her time to pro bono work, helping women in difficult situations and others in need. She claimed to be more of a humanitarian than a lawyer, which was shown through her actions. She gave counsel to many in need, without looking for recognition or adoration. Throughout her life she believed strongly in the rule of law.

Margaret's love for music was deep and inclusive. After law school in Durant she was part of a local band called "Phyllis Kelly and the Lawyers" (named by her children as an homage to Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), and played many gigs around town and for local organizations. She loved to play the piano, and instilled a love of music in her three daughters who eventually formed their own band and dedicated their music to her and their father. She often sang with her husband, and their duet version of "Smokey Joe"s Cafe' " was a favorite of theirs and of many others throughout the years.

Always contributing and helping, some of the organizations Margaret belonged to are: The Bryan County Bar Association, Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival (Board Member), Bryan County Federation of Democratic Women (President and Board Member), Day Spring Church, The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, The Chautauqua Women's Club, The Chautauqua Bird, Tree, & Garden Club.

Margaret loved the arts, was an avid reader, loved to travel, learn, laugh, and loved animals - especially the many dogs she and Joe had throughout their lives, and considered herself "An Oklahoma girl through and through." She was an extremely loyal friend with an empathetic heart and spirit, and truly believed in fairness and that your word had meaning. She met people where they were, and always tried to lead with love. She became a surrogate mother and grandmother to many family members and a "chosen grandmother" to many others. All the while with a twinkle in her eye and a place for you in her heart.

She was also strong in her faith. She found a lot of comfort in Psalms, especially during difficult times, namely Psalms 1:21. The last time Margaret rose from bed was to go to the couch to watch church.

She's now reunited with the love of her life.

Margaret is survived by her three daughters, Marna (Brad Pemberton) Taylor, Leah and Jocelyn Taylor, brothers Joe Lee (Mary) Byers, Bob (Randi) Byers, sister-in-law Marilynn Mitchell, brother-in-law David Kelly, brother-in-law Terry (Renee) Taylor, sister-in-law Ethel Talbot. Nieces and nephews Jason (Lynn) Kelly, Laura (Jay) Kelly Cannon, Pamela (Aaron) Byers Smith, Patrick (Katie) Byers, Adam Byers, Abbey Byers, Jeannie (John) Taylor Torrance, Natalie (Billy) Taylor Vanover, Daniel (Lauren) Taylor, and special friends Kim Kampplain, Melanie Hearon (and family), Katrina Farr (and family), Nema & Cris Criswell and many other special family members and friends.

If you would like to honor Margaret Taylor, please consider donating to one of these organizations:

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center www.give.vanderbilthealth.org

The Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival (send a message asking how to contribute to the memorial fund in Margaret Taylor's name) www.oklahomashakes.com/contact