Erma Taylor Bates

Erma Taylor Bates of Wynne, Arkansas, formerly of Trimble, Alabama, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at her son’s home in Wynne. Erma was born October 13, 1932, in Trimble, Alabama, to Adolphus Calvin Taylor and Pearlie Manolia “Pearl” Persall Taylor. A devout Christian, she was baptized at Bowman Chapel Methodist Church in August 1946 and remained a faithful member for the rest of her life. She graduated from Cullman High School in 1952. Erma met the love of her life, Wylmer Levester Bates, during her teenage years. They were married on December 24, 1953, at her parents’ home in Trimble. They shared 50 years of marriage before his death in 2004. Erma worked for Progressive Farmer for several years. After having children, she devoted herself to caring for her family. When her youngest child reached school age, she began working at Good Hope School, which allowed her to remain close to her children and share their school schedule. She continued working there until her retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wylmer Levester Bates; her parents, Adolphus Calvin Taylor and Pearlie Manolia “Pearl” Persall Taylor; her paternal grandparents, Madison Henry Harrison and Nancy Sullivan Taylor; her maternal grandparents, John Madison Persall and Modenia Francis Calvert Persall; one child, Danny Ray Taylor; her son-in-law, John H. Harden; her sisters, Gracie Alene Taylor Speegle Russell and Lottie Inez Taylor Stewart; her brothers-in-law, Roscoe E. Speegle, Hubert H. Russell, and Marvin E. Stewart; and one brother, Floyd Ray Taylor. She is survived by her children, Michael Taylor Bates (John Paul Myrick), Gary M. Taylor (Terri Croy), Brenda Taylor Harden, and Rodney J. Taylor (April Vanderberg); and her daughter-in-law, Kathy Boyett Taylor. She is also survived by her grandchildren, April L. Taylor DeLong, Jeremy D. Taylor (Rachel Tidwell), Christi N. Yarbrough (Tony Travino), Jennifer P. Yarbrough Espinoza, Justin S. Vanderberg (Halie Waters), Tyler J. Vanderberg (Lacy Smart), R. Chase Taylor (Mary Jay Sweeney), and Lindsey M. Taylor Hagan (Zach Hagan). Her great-grandchildren are Lydia Burk, Torie Taylor, Christopher Taylor, Addison Foster, Zoey Espinoza, Brayden A. Vanderburg, Layla Ansley Vanderburg, Jordan Vanderburg, John Travis “J.T.” Taylor, Emyerson F. Taylor, Isabelle Hagan, Carter Matthew Hagan, and Teddie Callen Hagan, with another great-grandchild expected in September. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. The family extends a special thank-you to Gentiva Hospice and to Aretha, Taconia, Kamylle, Hannah, and Brittnay for the compassionate care they provided to Erma during her time of need. Her grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Funeral services will be held at Moss Service Funeral Home in Cullman, Alabama, with burial to follow at Bowman Chapel Cemetery in Trimble, Alabama. Kernodle Funeral Home was in charge of local arrangements in Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Bowman Chapel Church, the Bowman Chapel Cemetery Fund, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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Erma Taylor Bates

October 13, 1932 - August 15, 2026