Lorene (Sevenstar) Taylor

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lorene (Sevenstar) Taylor, age 84, of the Bellefonte community in Oklahoma. Lorene peacefully departed this life on February 21, 2026, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Born on March 16, 1941, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Betsy (Coleman) Sevenstar and Jim Sevenstar, Lorene was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was united in marriage to Benn Lee Taylor, who preceded her in death. They had 9 children. 

Lorene's love for her family was immeasurable. She cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren, sharing laughter and joy that brightened their lives. Her ability to uplift those around her was remarkable; she would bring comfort and laughter to anyone she interacted with. Lorene had a deep connection to her heritage, often expressing her love through songs of praise in her native Cherokee language.

She is survived by her six daughters, Carolyn Byers and Eddie of Gans, OK; Elsie Taylor; Irene Taylor; Betty Taylor-Raney; Sandra Soap and Jimmy Dale, all of Bellefonte community, OK; and Loretta Barrios and Efrain of Fort Smith, AR. Additionally, she leaves behind two sons, Justin Taylor and Mark Allen Taylor, both of Bellefonte community, OK; 18 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; and 26 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Flora May Soap; her brothers, Wayne Sevenstar and Lee Sevenstar, all of Bellefonte community, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one daughter, Joann Taylor; two grandsons; one great-granddaughter; one great-great-granddaughter; three brothers; and her son-in-law, Kenneth Raney.

A funeral service honoring her life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Bellefonte Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Bellefonte Cemetery under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc. The wake will commence at 4:00 PM on Wednesday at her home.

Active pallbearers will be Dustin Taylor, Andrew Mathews, Keith Mathews, Columbus Sevenstar, Eric Sevenstar, and Aaron Sevenstar. Honorary pallbearers include Mark Taylor, Adria Mancera, and Alec Locust.

Lorene will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.