In Memory of Selma LaVonne Glass Taylor Horrell

Selma LaVonne Glass Taylor Horrell, 94 peacefully left this world on June 18, 2026 and entered the gates of Heaven. She was born in Central Point, Oregon on 22 September 1931to Clayburn Glass and Selma Allean (Lybrand) Glass. She was joined two years later by her younger brother, Houston Glass Taylor.

At the age of four her father was killed in a car accident that resulted in her mother, brother and self moving to Sheridan, Arkansas to be near her maternal relatives. Her early school days were spent in Grapevine, Arkansas followed by receiving a scholarship to attend business school in Little Rock, Arkansas. What followed was a life of service to God, her country as a federal civil service employee and to those around her.

LaVonne began her civil service career at the Pine Bluff Arsenal where she worked in the procurement offices. In 1951 a friend from work introduced her to a friend who was home on leave from the Navy, Troy Horrell. Over the next five years a friendship developed into a romance that led to a love match. LaVonne and Virgil LaTroy "Troy" Horrell were married on 24 June 1956 in Grapevine, Arkansas. In January 1957 both were hired to work at the High Speed Test Track at Holloman Air Force Mission Development Center now known as Holloman Air Force Base. During the 10 years she was at the track she continued to service and work with distinction with many of the German scientist at the base.

In December 1960 she became a mother for the first time with her son, Michael Horrell. This was followed by a full term stillborn three years later, and in February 1967 a daughter, Michele Horrell.

After leaving the High Speed Test Track in 1967 LaVonne was then recruited to join the command section at Holloman until her retirement in 1989. She worked as the base commander's secretary and was the civilian face in an office with constant change and demands. Her kind, gentle spirit was often called up during times of high stress and her graciousness was warm and inviting.

Upon her retirement, LaVonne was asked to help set up and run the clothes closet at Calvary Baptist Church where she and Troy had been members since 1958. They then operated the clothes closet for the next 18 years. She was a Pink Lady with the hospital auxiliary and loved learning and crafting, and was a ferocious reader. But mostly she loved God and wanted to pass that on to those she encountered each day.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her father, Clayburn Glass of Central Point, Oregon; mother, Selma Allean Lybrand Taylor of Alamogordo, NM; stepfather, Woodrow Taylor of Grapevine, Arkansas; her husband, Virgil Troy Horrell, of Alamogordo; and son, Michael Horrell of Beeville, Texas.

She is survived by her daughter, Michele L Horrell of Alamogordo, NM; brother, Houston Glass Taylor and his wife, Jean Taylor of Taylors, South Carolina; nephew, Charles Taylor and wife, Lisa, of Taylors, South Carolina; and niece, Melissa Woodall and husband, Bill, of Greenville, South Carolina and their children, Neal, Devin, Salena, Dylan and Ryan; as well as many special loved ones and family of the heart.

Hospice care was lovingly provided by Anvoi Hospice.

Pallbearers are Eddie Clarkson, Calvin Evans, Ceasar Chaparro, Terry Brancheau, Paul Reinhardt and Alva Hayhurst. Honorary Pallbearer is Gary Black.

Visitation will be held on Friday, 26 June 2026 from 5 to 7 pm at the Alamogordo Funeral Home Chapel.

Services will be Saturday, 27 June 2026 at 10 am at the Alamogordo Funeral Home with live stream being provide for family and friends who are unable to attend in person.