Rebecca T. Willingham

Rebecca Taylor Willingham, born December 27, 1947, in Marion, Ohio entered her eternal home in Heaven on January 15, 2026. 

Miss Becky leaves behind a beautiful legacy of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and a deep love that has shaped generations. She was the true definition of genuine- sincere, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in her care for others.  Above all, Miss Becky loved the Lord. Her faith was not only spoken, but lived out daily through service, humility, and grace. She walked faithfully with Jesus, and through her example, pointed countless others to him.

Miss Becky lived the majority of her life in what she called God's Country-Dooly County, Georgia. In 1957, her parents, Warren and Elizabeth Taylor, moved their young family of four daughters from Ohio to Georgia to farm.  The community-especially the people of Byromville- welcomed them with open arms, embracing the Taylor family as their own.  The friendships formed there grew into lifelong bonds and these people became family in every sense of the word. Miss Becky was a faithful and devoted member of Byromville Baptist Church, where she joyfully served the Lord through music for many years. She played the organ alongside her sister Paula, who played the piano, and together they blessed the church through their ministry of music for more than fifty years.

Miss Becky lived out her life calling through devoted service to others as a speech-language pathologist for over 30 years. She helped both children and adults overcome communication challenges, empowering them to communicate with confidence. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and her master’s degree from the University of Georgia.  Through her dedication and compassion, she touched countless lives, leaving a lasting impact on those she served and their families.

Throughout her life, Miss Becky treasured the extraordinary bond she shared with her three sisters, Marsha, Sharon, and Paula- a relationship both rare and beautiful. Together, they walked through life side by side, caring for one another and those they love with steadfast devotion. Their shared lives were built on a foundation of unshakable support, each sister remarkable in her own way, yet united by the same strong moral fiber, servants heart and selflessness that so clearly defined Miss Becky.

At the heart of Miss Becky’s life was her family. She was married to the love of her life, Larry Willingham, for over 25 years. She was a deeply devoted mother to her daughter, Rebecca, and son, Taylor and a cherished grandmother to Luke, Abigail and Kaitlin who lovingly called her BB.  Her grandchildren were her greatest joy and proudest purpose. Through her constant presence, gentle guidance, and unwavering support, she gave her family a gift that cannot be measured-steadfast love and faithfulness. That gift will continue to live on through her children and grandchildren, and through all who were blessed to experience her quiet strength and faithful heart.

BB shared a special and deeply personal bond with each one of her grandchildren. BB was famously serious about education and responsibility.  Many nights, she would have Luke on the phone studying- even on the ride home from ball games- quizzing him, encouraging him, and keeping him focused. Luke and BB shared a rare gift: the ability to quickly understand someone’s life story and make people feel truly seen and valued through conversation. They also shared the same infectious personality that drew others in with warmth and sincerity.

Abigail and BB bonded over their shared love of flowers, especially hydrangeas. Abigail fondly remembers making hummingbird juice with BB and watching the hummingbirds play tag. From BB, Abigail learned the power of quiet strength and deep compassion for others. Kaitlin and BB loved watching sports together, especially women’s basketball. Kaitlin’s humor and spirit always made BB laugh and kept her on her toes. Today, Kaitlin carries forward the perseverance and determination that BB modeled throughout her life.  Each grandchild had an unique relationship with their BB, but certain details will forever live in their heart- her signature bouffant, her perfectly applied lipstick, and the way she instinctively made sure everyone was warm wrapping them in one of her many blankets, fresh from the drier.  These expressions of love reflect the care, devotion, and tenderness that defined her life and legacy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry G. Willingham; her parents, Warren Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor; and an infant brother, David Warren Taylor, all of whom she has now rejoined in the presence of the Lord.

She is survived by her children: her daughter, Rebecca W. Worley, and her husband David Worley; and her son, Taylor Willingham. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Luke Worley, Abigail Willingham, and Kaitlin Willingham; and her sisters Marsha Taylor, Sharon Rogier, and Paula McKinley, who will continue to cherish her memory and legacy of faith.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, January 21, 2025, at 3:00 pm at the graveside in Hephzibah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Byromville Baptist Church, PO Box 126, Byromville, GA 31007 the church of your choice, or Crisp Regional Hospice, 202 East 4th Avenue, Cordele, GA 31015 in honor of Miss Becky’s servant’s heart and lifelong devotion to the Lord.

Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Vienna has charge of arrangements.