Kay Taylor

Kay Smith Taylor peacefully passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2018, just two days from her 85th birthday, which the family will certainly celebrate. Her husband of 63 years, Robert Overton Taylor, as well as her three children, two daughters-in-law, ten grandchildren, and countless friends were blessed to be with her.

Kay was born in Owenton, Kentucky, in 1933, and was the daughter of the late Nell Smith and Howard Kemp Smith. Her sister Marjory Smith and her brother John (JW) Smith, both of Louisville, Kentucky, predeceased her.

She is survived by her husband Robert Taylor of Greenville, South Carolina, as well as her daughter Kaytina Haack of Columbia, South Carolina; her two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Shane Taylor and his wife, Stefi Taylor, of Greenville, South Carolina; and Todd Holbrook Taylor and his wife, Ann Taylor, of Greenville, South Carolina.

Kay was affectionately known as KayKay to her ten grandchildren, Kaylin Hopkins (35) and her husband Alex, Taylor (31), Smyth (27), Katie Nell (26), Robert (26), Brooks (24), Nicholas (23), Will (20), Kaytina (20), and Jenna (19).

Kay Taylor was a special lady. She lived for her family and never missed an opportunity to show the importance and the blessing of strong family roots. She grew up in a very small rural Kentucky town where she met the love of her life and was married in 1955. She later graduated from the University of Louisville, where she achieved a degree in education. Kay taught school for many years while being a devoted homemaker. She gave an elevated meaning to that title. Although she was a devoted mother to three, she was a second mother to all of their friends, always noticing needs and meeting them joyfully.

Kay also had a warm place in her heart for eight special dachshunds during her life that were a part of her family.

Her favorite day of the year was Christmas Eve as she awaited the arrival of God’s greatest gift and the annual gathering at her home to teach a life lesson. She would use her incredible creative talents and work all year to dream of ways to illustrate her love for her family and family traditions.

The family is at peace knowing her love for Jesus and the family reunion she is now experiencing. Her heart remained full of love. Her favorite hymn verse gave her such comfort: “Just as I am, without one plea But that thy blood was shed for me, And that thou bid me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come to thee.”

Kay’s family wishes to express how comforting all of the outreach has been from the community and friends of the family. All of your prayers have been answered and all of your kind words and actions have been a reflection and memorial of Kay’s love. The family acknowledges heartfelt gratitude to Cissy Musselman, Ken Bowen, and Fran Jameson for always being there for Kay no matter the circumstance.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral to help fund and honor Kay’s wishes for the completion of The Cathedral’s Dome Mosaic, a place where all could come and view and experience an even closer presence with God. Memorial donations made out to: Saint George Mosaic Fund, 406 North Academy Street, Greenville, SC 29601.

The service will be held on Friday, September 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Furman University Charles E. Daniel Memorial Chapel located on the Furman campus at 3300 Poinsett Highway Greenville, South Carolina.

The Taylor family will hold a “Celebration of Kay Taylor” drop in Friday, September 21, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the home of her youngest son.