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Clara"Mimi" Taylor of Albuquerque, entered the world near Waco, TX on January 1, 1899 as Clara Barton Jones and lived to be a part of three centuries. She passed away in Albuquerque on Sunday, February 13, 2000, at the age of 101 years. Clara moved to New Mexico in 1912, the same year that New Mexico became a state. She met her husband, William B. Taylor in Tucumcari, and they married in 1919. At the time, she left behind a teaching career to become a rancher's wife and mother to his young son, Buster. Soon after, the couple had three daughters. The family spent time in Logan, and Roy, NM, and Adrian TX. When Mimi, as her grandchildren named her, was widowed in the 1950's, she returned to college to pursue the career she had left behind, but had never forgotten. Graduating as a member of the dean's list at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM with a teaching degree in her mid 50's, Mimi found rewarding work as an elementary teacher in Conchas Dam, Los Alamos and White Rock, and retired after 20 years of teaching. Even then, she volunteered at public schools in Albuquerque following her retirement. Mimi fondly remembered her teaching days until the end. Those who knew Mimi best recall her love of family, her faith, her adoration of her adopted state of New Mexico, her passion for teaching, her love for young people and her belief in the importance of education. She was a remarkable woman who influenced the lives of many. Countless children passed through her classroom or knew her words of encouragement on the playground. Numerous friends shared her fellowship at church, in neighborhood get-togethers, at Delta Kappa Gamma and at P.E.O. Grandchildren, great-grandchildren and students grew and nurtured under her loving guidance. Mimi is survived by her sister, Judy Wade of Lubbock, TX; daughters Margaret Church of Boerne, TX; Lois Cantrell of San Antonio, TX; and Wanda Walker of Placitas; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and her loyal companion of the last two decades, Pat the cat. As a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and teacher, Mimi's spirit has inspired generations. With the legacy of family and students she leaves behind, her spirit will continue to inspire generations to come. Memorial services will be held, Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Mimi will be laid to rest beside her husband, William B. Taylor, at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to make donations send them to the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico, 615 Virginia, SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
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