Louise Taplin

Louise Taplin, 77, of Avon Park, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, in Sebring, Florida, with her loving family by her side.

Louise was born on November 18, 1948, in Chattahoochee, Florida, to the late Elry Hearns and Ruby Lee (Watson) Hearns. In 1995, Louise moved to Avon Park from Pontiac, Michigan. She was a devoted member of the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Wauchula, Florida and a devoted member and past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Geraldine Chapter 110 in Wauchula, FL

Louise had a love for life and the outdoors. She enjoyed making jewelry, going target shooting, fishing, playing tennis and golf, and spending time outdoors. She was an independent and adventurous woman who even enjoyed loading and unloading her own boat before heading out on the water.

Louise is survived by her loving husband, Mack Adam Taplin Jr.; her son, Terrence “Terry” Taplin (Antionessa) of Avon Park, Florida; Daughter Patsy "Pat" Sanders (Gregory) her siblings, Emma Jean McKnight, Earnest Lee Hearns, William Lee Hearns, Rose K. Simon, and Edward James Hearns (Vanessa), and her grandchildren, Jasmine Nichole Taplin, Kaliah Taplin, Jayden Robinson, Giovanni Taplin, Nian Sanders, and Neja Sanders. Sister-in-law Vickie Hearns and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elry Hearns and Ruby Lee Hearns; and her siblings, Lillie R. Brown, Bernice Middleton, Catherine Laster, Robert Lee Hearns, John Allen Hearns, and Jessie Mae Hatchet, Elry Hearns Jr. and Ulysee Hearns.

A funeral service will be held at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Wauchula, Florida, on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 4:00 p.m.

Louise will be laid to rest at Sarasota National Cemetery on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Services Entrusted to Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home

111 East Circle Street  Avon Park FL 33825