Brenda Francine Taylor

Brenda Francine Taylor of Plano, Texas was born on September 14, 1943, in Belzoni, Mississippi to Noel and Irene Rice. Brenda moved to Ft Worth, Texas in 1963, and married John Brooks, with whom she had sons David and Steven. She divorced in 1976, moving to Plano, Texas in 1980.

Brenda and husband, Edward Taylor, were married in 1990. Following her retirement from Rockwell International after 20 years, she joined the County Clerk’s office of Collin County, Texas. Then in 2000, with Ed’s help ran for the County Clerk, winning the seat, and served for one term.

Ms. Taylor was very active in her church, Plano First Baptist, as well as with the Rotary Club, the Conner Harrington Republican Women’s Club and with a number of civic groups, serving on the Boards of Strengthening Families of North Texas, and the Plano Wellness Center.

Brenda enjoyed gardening, building floats for the Plano 4th of July parade and working at the Balloon Festival. Above all, though, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. Brenda had a bubbly personality and was known for her generosity and passion for helping others.

Brenda passed away on July 10, 2014, with her family and friends close by. She leaves behind husband Ed, son David Brooks and his wife, Pam and their sons, Spencer and Harrison of Rowlett, Texas; stepson Shane Taylor, and his wife, Nancy and their kids Noah, Isabella, Preston of Tampa, Florida; stepdaughter Tammia Taylor and her sons Brandon and Ethan of Haltom City, Texas; brother James Rice and wife, Brenda of Russellville, Arkansas; brother Felix Rice and his wife, Robia of Stinnett, Texas; sister Colleen Campbell of Dallas, Texas; sister Elaine Cooper and her husband, Bill of Arlington, Texas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her son Steven Brooks, her parents Noel and Irene Rice, and sisters Pat Degner and Joan Prewitt,

A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Plano on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 11AM. A visitation will be held Wednesday at Ted Dickey Funeral Home on 18th Street in Plano from 6 PM – 8 PM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity of your choice. Brenda’s favorite charity was Strengthening Families of Collin County, which can be reached at (972) 867-9470 or at www.sfntx.org.