Dupree Riser Taylor, 98, passed away peacefully at St. Dominic Hospital on July 2, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Dupree was born on May 2, 1919, in Forest, MS, to Johnnie and Estelle Riser. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Emmanuel Taylor (1976), and her sisters Susie Mae, Leona, and Mary Ellen. Dupree is survived by son, Mike Taylor (Shelley) of Brandon; daughter, Dolores Splain of Flora; grandchildren Mark Splain of Clinton, Paula Martin (Hank) of Flora, Alec Taylor (Leigh) of Brandon, Morgan DeWeese (Sam) of Destin, FL; great grandchildren Lauren Shearer (Chris) of Brandon, Derek Martin and Brooke Martin of Flora, Cohen Taylor and Mason Taylor of Brandon; great-great grandchild Stone Shearer of Brandon and many nieces and nephews.

Dupree met her husband, Johnny, at the Belmont Cafe where they were both employed. They, along with Jimmy Angelo, were the original owners of the Cherokee Drive-In. They also had Walkers Drive-In and the Shamrock Drive-In. In 1962, Dupree and Johnny built the well-known restaurant Taylor Burgers on I-55 North. It became a very popular establishment and was widely known for its flamed-broiled hamburgers selling for 15 cents. Dupree worked in the Jackson Public School system for several years until her husband's passing in 1976. She was an accomplished seamstress and did alterations for her many friends. She also did alterations for Helen's Young Ages on I-55.

Dupree was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family, celebrating birthdays and having holiday meals together. Dupree was a big Elvis Presley fan, enjoyed country music and made many trips to Nashville, TN with her family. She was blessed with many wonderful friends and enjoyed life to the fullest. One of her dearest friends was Elnora Hogue who helped her for many years.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Wright and Ferguson in Clinton, MS, on Friday, July 7th, with funeral service to follow. Dr. Steve Jussely of Lakeland Presbyterian Church will be officiating. Burial will be in Lakewood Memorial Park in Clinton, MS. Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Splain, Alec Taylor, Hank Martin, Chris Shearer, Sam DeWeese, and Jeff Milner.