FRIENDS and former workmates of a much-loved retired Blackheath teacher who was murdered by her unfaithful undertaker husband are planning a memorial service to celebrate her life.

The body of Alethea Taylor, aged 63, has never been found, denying those close to her the final closure of a funeral.

But Blackheath Primary School nursery nurses Sharon Bowden and Lynn Richards are organising a memorial service for her at St Giles Church, Rowley Regis, on Saturday June 15 at 1pm.

Mrs Bowden, who was taught by Mrs Taylor at the school as a nine-year-old before joining her on the staff in adulthood, said: “She was a wonderful lady, kind and always wanting to help.”

Mrs Taylor, who was also pianist for the school assemblies, taught at Blackheath for 33 years from 1970 until her retirement in 2003.

She married John Taylor, who denied her murder, in 1996, and Mrs Bowden said she had met him once.

“But I don’t want to talk about him. This is about Alethea and celebrating her life,” said Mrs Bowden, whose three children were also taught by Mrs Taylor.

The memorial service will be led by Rev Ian Shelton and will include readings and tributes.

The couple had moved to the village of Orleton, Herefordshire, from where Mrs Taylor disappeared in January of last year.

Her 61-year-old husband, who was having an affair with a widow, was found guilty after a five-week trial at Hereford Crown Court earlier this month and sentenced to 17 years imprisonment.

He had reported her missing and claimed she was suffering from dementia, but extensive searches failed to find her and Taylor, who stood to inherit £150,000 in the event of her death, was charged last June with her murder.

For details about the service contact Mrs Bowden or Mrs Richards at alethea.memorial@gmail.com or phone/text on 07968120031.