Winnie Lou Abbott

“Her worth is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10. This scripture perfectly describes Mrs. Winnie Lou Taylor Abbott. Surrounded by her family, she passed away peacefully on Monday, March 27, 2023 at her home in Cave City. She was 87 years old.

Winnie was the daughter of James Irie Taylor and Mary Ann Norris Taylor of DeKalb County, Alabama. Growing up in Chickamauga, Georgia, she was a gentle and caring girl. She had a slender build and curly brown hair. She sported big glasses, given to her by the local Lions Club when her vision was affected after a childhood bout with the measles. As a young lady, she was pretty and shy, but fun-loving- an attribute highlighted in her blushing smile. She caught the eye of Mr. John Abbott, of Durham, Georgia and it was not long before they were married. This young couple experienced an early life transformation when, after attending a “singing” and revival at the Cooper Heights, Georgia Church of God, they both committed their lives to following Christ. Shortly thereafter, John was called to the ministry where they served faithfully for 70 years until retirement in 2020 after lastly pastoring for fourteen years at the Matlock Road Church of God in Cave City, Arkansas.

As the best mother anyone could ever want, Winnie was kind and never raised her voice in anger. She was thoughtful and sensitive to the needs of family, neighbors and others in the church and community. She treasured children and fancied flowers, traits she picked up from her mother and grandmother, Mrs. Sarah A.E. Norris. She especially loved the springtide fields of country daffodils dancing in the breeze, adored roses, felt affection for marigolds and took great pleasure in anything pink. She also enjoyed singing. Winnie faithfully led the church choir, which pastor’s wives often do, and did so with such grace and joy that you could not help but join in that full-throated, exuberant, and happy chorus.

Winnie lived her life to the fullest and met its challenges with decency and dignity. She was surrounded by those who loved, enjoyed and respected her. We were all blessed by her life. She has left us for now, but we have her securely in our hearts until we meet again in eternity. She is undoubtedly among the joyful in the heavenly Angel Choir and God’s celestial garden is, beyond question, much more beautiful with her in it (and Mom, this spring we will be planting a little something in our garden especially for youw). Winnie was indeed a most delightful person, her worth truly far above rubies!

Mrs. Winnie Lou Taylor Abbott is survived by her husband, John Abbott of the home; three sons, Johnny Abbott (Dianne) of Chester, VA, Randall Abbott (Jeanie) of Cave City, AR and Joe Abbott (Wrenita) of Springdale, AR; fourteen grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Ralph Watson Abbott of Malvern, AR; and a grandson Brandon Abbott of Cave City, AR.

Funeral services will be Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Matlock Road Church of God in Cave City with Rev. Allen Brown and Johnny Abbott officiating. Burial will follow in the Cave City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 29, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Pallbearers are Jim Abbott, Dan Abbott, David Abbott, Colton Abbott, Jake Abbott and Joseph Abbott.

Honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are by Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City.