Irene W. Taylor

Irene W. Taylor

image Irene Wampler Taylor, age 95, went home to be with the Lord in her heavenly home on January 27, 2011, surrounded by her loving family, after failing health.

Irene had such a zest for life, always with a smile when speaking of her loving husband and father of their children. She was such a strong devoted wife and always stated, “there was only one man in my life and that’s all there will ever be.”

Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren held a special place in her heart with a deep devotion of love that filled her heart with great joy. She dearly loved her friends, loved to cook for her family and friends, before she became unable to do so. She also loved gardening, sewing, quilting and going to church. Many times she was unable to go to church gatherings and events she would make every effort to attend because she dearly loved people, fellowship and serving her Lord. She was the oldest living member of the Big Springs Church of Christ.

Mrs. Taylor was born in Coeburn, Virginia, but has lived most of her life in the Gap Creek community of Carter County. She was the daughter of the late Loy Logan and Allie Rebecca Wampler. Her husband, John R. Taylor, preceded her in death in 1982.

Survivors include two daughters: Roma Jean Bures and the late, Pete Bures, and Nancy Lou and James Paul Jones Sr., of Elizabethton; one son and daughter-in-law, Robert Loy and Bobbie Taylor, of Johnson City, TN; Two brothers: William Loy and the late Lou Wampler, of Gate City, VA, and Nathan Glen and Edith Wampler, of Kingsport, TN; Two Sisters: Alma Ruth and the late Guy Taylor and Erma Sue and the late Leon Bowen, of Weber City, Virginia; Two Brother-in-laws: Paul W. and Jackie Taylor and Joe M. and Iva Dee Taylor; and one Sister-in-law, June Taylor and the late Howard Taylor. Irene considered her in-laws very special and loved them as brothers and sisters. Three granddaughters: Angela Jill Harkleroad, Kellie Sorrell and Karen Taylor; Two Grandsons: James Paul Jones Jr. and Jason Matthew Taylor; Five Great Grandchildren: Haley Olivia Harkleroad, Isabella Nicole Harkleroad, Jessica Marie Taylor, Sara Ann Taylor and Jacob Matthew Taylor; Two very dear friends: Minnie Emmert and Patsy Nave Hubbard; Several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

The family wishes to extend a special “Thank you” to all employees of Hermitage Health Care who provided loving care to Mrs. Taylor.

The family of Irene W. Taylor will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2011, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with funeral services being conducted at 7 p.m. by Mr. Jordan Kellicut and Mr. Clay Bailey, ministers, officiating. Music will be provided by Todd and Susie Wolfe.

Graveside Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 29th, at Happy Valley Memorial Park, Mr. Todd Wolfe, minister, officiating. Those attending are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be: James Paul Jones Jr., Jason Matthew Taylor, Chad Sorrell, Randy Harkleroad, Bill Taylor, James Paul Jones Sr., Jimmy Taylor and Lynn Taylor. Honorary Pallbearers will be Doc Emmert, Paul Taylor, Joe Taylor, Eddie Taylor and Mike McKinney.

Those who prefer memorials may be made, in lieu of flowers, to Big Springs Church of Christ, 1106 Gap Creek Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Condolences may be e-mailed to mfc@chartertn.net.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge

Happy Valley Memorial Park