Beulahmae Taylor

Beulahmae Taylor, 90, of Petersburg, passed away on March 1, 2026, at Scott County Nursing Center in Winchester, Illinois. She was born on October 20, 1935, to John and Juanita (nèe Irwin) Ross in Tallula, Illinois. She was the youngest of four children.

After graduating from Tallula High School, Beulahmae (known as Bea) worked in Springfield before moving to the Chicago area in the early 1960's with her husband, Ward Taylor of Greenview.

As a working mother with three children, she built a successful career in real estate, working both in the Chicago area and later Puerto Rico.

In retirement, Bea started a snorkel and sail business in Key Largo, Florida, before eventually returning to Illinois.

In 2020, urged by her niece, Holly Crowl and her husband Matt, Bea moved to the Petersburg area and settled on Lake Petersburg. She loved her time on the lake, and many will remember her fondly as "Aunt Boo".

Bea is survived by her children, Ross Randall Taylor and Debra Suzanne Williams; four grandchildren, Ross Stevenson (UK), Lisa Arballo (OR), Laura Martin (UK), and Michael Taylor (CA); and four great-grandchildren in the United Kingdom.

Bea was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, John Ross, Norma Conkey, and Marilyn Wilson; and a son, Paul E. Taylor.

Bea also treasured her extended family, including Logan Crowl; Taylor and Greg Kolwicz; Juan Arballo; Leslie Taylor; and Kirris Williams.

Cremation rites were accorded and a Celebration of Life is being planned for later this year.

Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting Bea's family with arrangements. Please visit hurleyfh.com.