Lorene Sevenstar Taylor, 84, Passes Away

Longtime Belfonte resident and Cherokee community member remembered for her faith and family

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Lorene Sevenstar Taylor, a lifelong resident of Belfonte, Oklahoma and member of the Cherokee community, passed away on February 21, 2026 at the age of 84. She was known for her love of singing praise songs in the Cherokee language and spending time with her large family, which includes six daughters, two sons, 18 grandchildren, and other extended relatives.

Why it matters

Lorene's story reflects the rich cultural heritage and close-knit family traditions that remain integral to many Native American communities, even as the modern world continues to evolve around them. Her passing is a loss felt deeply by her local Belfonte community and the broader Cherokee Nation.

The details

Lorene was born on March 16, 1941 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Jim Sevenstar and Betsy (Coleman) Sevenstar. She spent her life in Belfonte, where she was an active member of the Belfonte Baptist Church and enjoyed singing traditional Cherokee praise songs. Lorene is survived by her six daughters, two sons, one sister, two brothers, 18 grandchildren, and other extended family members.

  • Lorene Sevenstar Taylor was born on March 16, 1941.
  • Lorene passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Lorene Sevenstar Taylor

An 84-year-old lifelong resident of Belfonte, Oklahoma and member of the Cherokee community, known for her love of singing praise songs in the Cherokee language and spending time with her large family.

Jim Sevenstar

Lorene's father.

Betsy (Coleman) Sevenstar

Lorene's mother.

Benn Lee Taylor

Lorene's late husband.

Flora Soap

Lorene's sister.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Lorene's life and legacy serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength and resilience of the Cherokee people, who have maintained their cultural traditions and close-knit community ties even as the world around them has transformed. Her passing is a profound loss for the Belfonte community, but her spirit and values will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.