FORDYCE, Ark. — Sixty-three-year-old Shirley Taylor was one of the victims in Friday’s mass shooting at a Fordyce grocery store.
On Saturday, her daughter Angela Atchley told us about the woman her kids called “Memaw.”
"She crocheted [and] loved working with her hands," Atchley said. "She was the hardest working woman I ever knew."
Atchley described Taylor as strong—taking care of her husband, who has severe diabetes.
She said the moment she knew she was gone was unthinkable.
“There’s no words,” Atchley said. “She was my best friend. She was our family rock.”
Atchley said she knew something wasn't right when her son couldn't reach Taylor amid the chaos.
“He couldn't get her to answer the phone,” Atchley said. "I kind of knew then that my mama was gone.”
Atchley and her children said Taylor was funny, sarcastic and full of love. Twenty-four hours after the tragedy, they can't describe their emotions.
“I'm almost numb like I lost a piece of me or something,” Atchley said. “I don't know how to explain the hurt.”
But she said the love from the entire Fordyce community has made this difficult time a little easier.
Atchley mentioned receiving support from coworkers and former classmates. Additionally, she said Fordyce Bank and Trust is doing something to help in the wake of the incident.
“The bank president, they are taking care of mom's funeral,” Atchley said. "I really don't have the words to tell them how much I'm appreciative of that.”