Vitula Taylor McLeroy, age 71, died Saturday, April 7, 2018 after a brief illness. She was born on March 22, 1947, to Ella Rogers Taylor and Ed Taylor, both deceased.
Vitula, known as Vi to her friends, spent her elementary and secondary education in the Hazen Public Schools. She graduated from State College of Arkansas in 1969 with a B.S. degree in mathematics; and received her Masters Degree from the University of Arkansas in 1987. She taught middle school math in Stuttgart and Springdale, Arkansas; Starkville, Mississippi and in Arlington, Texas.
She was a life-long Arkansas Razorback fan, as well as an avid Texas Rangers baseball and Dallas Stars hockey fan. She and her husband, Paul McLeroy, enjoyed traveling, especially to the Caribbean as well as trips overseas to Italy, Spain and Portugal.
Vi is preceded in death by both of her parents, her half-brother Richard Gene Taylor, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her brother, Roger Lynn Taylor and wife Becky of Melissa, Texas; nephews Brett Taylor of Allen, Texas and Russ Taylor of Rogers, Arkansas; Dean Taylor of Jonesboro; and brother-in-law Leonard James McLeroy (Penny) of Conway. .
Although Vi had not lived in Hazen in many years, she enjoyed visiting with former classmates and relatives at least twice a year.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen from 6 – 8 pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Hazen United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. with burial immediately following at Hazen Cemetery.
Prayers to the family and friends of Ms. Taylor. She was my math teacher at
Stuttgart Jr. High School and always enjoyed her class. May the peace of God surround you all.
Vi was a dear friend to all at Bailey Junior High, in Arlington, Texas, where she taught until her retirement. Her love for her students and fellow teachers was apparent to all. A quiet soul and yet such an avid sports fan. She knew the scores of my daughter’s soccer team and kept up with her statistics. I taught next door to her for many years, and I never knew of a day that she didn’t greet me with a smile every morning. She will be missed by her lunch group and many more dear friends.
As a remarkable lady in many ways, Vitula will be dearly missed by all those who knew her. I had the privilege of attending school with her at Hazen and later at UCA (ASTC, SCA). She excelled in math and collegiate volleyball, which might come as a surprise to those who may have underestimated the athletic abilities of “shy Vi.” as some called her. Graduating with a math degree, she became a dedicated teacher who touched the lives of countless students who appreciated her genuine concern, patience, and excellent teaching skills.
Vitula never forgot her Hazen roots. She would come back home often to visit friends, classmates, and family. Although she resided in Texas for many years, she graciously accepted a leading role in organizing class reunions and by actively supporting alumni functions of the class of 1965.
Her family established a scholarship to benefit Hazen graduates headed to college. She was an extraordinary lady whose presence is already missed greatly. We will cherish our precious memories of her.
May God’s Word and His Holy Spirit (the “Comforter”) provide strength, comfort, and assurance in this time of sorrow.