Betty L Mark
May 24, 1926 - May 4, 2018
Betty L. (Taylor) Mark, age 91, passed away on May 4, 2018, at home surrounded by family. Betty was born in Lexington, Kentucky to James Finley and Estelle May (Mires) Taylor on May 24, 1926. She worked at Julian's here in Richmond for many years in fashion marketing, doing style shows, and serving as a bridal consultant. She also managed the former Morrison's Store here in Richmond and one in Indianapolis. She was a representative for California Clothing manufacturers. She worked for L.S. Ayers Crystal Room in Indianapolis as well as Gidding Jenny and Henry Harris Furriers in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was also a jewelry manufacturer representative. Betty was an active church member in several churches over the years here in Richmond serving as Sunday School teacher, youth choir director, Vacation Bible School leader, and Bible teacher to many church groups. She was currently a member of First Baptist Church here in Richmond Betty got involved in the National Alliance on Mental Illness East Central Affiliate in 1995. She volunteered and served in this organization for 20 years. One of the projects she worked on was the Crisis Intervention Training Program where she and other members of NAMI worked with the police and Mayor Sally Hutton to develop the program which helps police, ambulance personnel and other first responders to more effective and successful handling of situations involving the mentally ill. She was also involved in helping begin the "Family to Family" program which offered education, support and encouragement for family members of the mentally ill. She worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the mentally ill and those of their families. She has received many commendations and awards for her work including two proclamations from Mayor Sally Hutton, the Ruth J. Wickemeyer Award for Community Service from the Wayne County Foundation, and the 2010 Delisa Kay Ferguson Award from the Community Council on Disability Awareness. In 2006, the Dunn Center (now Centerstone) named one of its apartment buildings in her honor. Betty enjoyed working, serving others, doing her church work, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her two daughters, Shirley Reece and Dixie (Jim) Robinson, four grandchildren, Kimberley Lairson, David (Teresa) Reece, Mynde (Kyle) Turner, and Grant (Jamie) Reece. She has six great grandchildren, John Lairson, James (Crystal) Lairson, Jordan Lairson, Jasher Lairson, Jeremiah Lairson, and Toni Marie Reece. She has one great-great granddaughter, Chloe Lairson. She has nieces and nephews, Brenda (Rick) Hensler, Mike Branham, David (Brenda) Branham, Betty Lou (Jeff) Rodgers, Gayle Bunton, Kathy Branham, and Susie Haddix in Lexington, KY. She is preceded in death by her first husband, John David Moore, and her second husband, Blair Mark, as well as her parents, James and Estelle Taylor; her two sisters, Edna Haddix, and Helen Branham; her son-in-law, Tom Reece; her brother-in-law, Eugene Branham, her niece, Kitty O'Dell, and her nephews, Landrum Haddix, Jim Branham, and Joe Bunton. She also leaves many close friends and church family. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church here in Richmond on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. There will be no public calling. Burial will be at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens in Lexington, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to: NAMI Indiana, 921 East 86th Street, Suite 130, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240 or to the Richmond Community Food Pantry.
Betty L. (Taylor) Mark, age 91, passed away on May 4, 2018, at home surrounded by family. Betty was born in Lexington, Kentucky to James Finley and Estelle May (Mires) Taylor on May 24, 1926. She worked at Julian's here in Richmond for many... View Obituary & Service Information