Barbara F. Taylor
On July 5, 2023, Barbara F. Taylor (affectionately known as BarBar) passed away in Charleston, SC at the age of 87.
Born in Medicine Lodge, KS on July 13, 1935, Barbara grew up on a farm, where she developed a lifelong love for animals and fondly remembered showing and selling her lambs at the county fair each year. The money raised helped to start Rock Springs 4-H Ranch which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Ironically, two of her Kansas grandchildren attended diabetes camp at Rock Springs while they were growing up.
Upon graduating from White City High School in 1953, Barbara attended Kansas State University studying elementary education, where she met and married her husband, Byron Taylor, in June 1955. Barbara is survived by her children, Bob Elliott Taylor (Sandra) of Owasso, OK, Shelley Taylor Savage (Elliott) of Charleston, SC, Catherine Taylor Blackmon (Keith) of Hillsborough, NC and Sandra Taylor Moore, (Mitch) of Protection, KS. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Louise Wettig of Wichita, KS, 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred and Elizabeth Elliott, her husband, Byron Eugene Taylor, and one sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Elliott.
Barbara was an exceptional wife and mother and was always the first to offer help to family and neighbors alike. After moving to Germantown, TN, she became a staple of the community, particularly at Germantown High School athletic events, where she never missed a football game, track or gymnastic meet and was very involved in the Booster Club. The Taylor home, with BarBar at its helm, had a revolving door, was open for all, and will be remembered for the fun, laughter, and many episodes of Saturday Night Live which were shared there. Barbara’s innate ability to nuture others ensured that every child who crossed the threshold was safe, healthy, happy and fed.
In 1982, Barbara went to work for Farmington Presbyterian Church in Germantown, TN, in the Before and After School program. Starting with the idea that she would help until a permanent employee could be found, Ms. Barbara spent the next 28 years growing the program into a flourishing success. She focused on the goal of providing a safe environment in which children could play, build self-esteem, finish homework and know that they were loved. Ms. Barbara’s extraordinary ability to care for others was a gift in the lives of all who knew her.
Always an athlete, Barbara became an avid golfer (12 handicap with 2 hole-in-ones), winning countless tournaments and claiming the Holly Hill Country Club Women’s championship numerous times. She participated in many fun runs to raise money for local organizations and often placed among the best in her age group. Barbara was also very musical, playing her baby grand piano, as well as the electric guitar, mandolin and saxophone all by ear. She will be remembered for her quick wit, word search books, contagious smile, and her beloved Scottie dogs….Rhett Butler 1, Rhett Butler 2 and Rhett Butler 3.
Barbara will be interred in White City, KS with her parents and sister at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Farmington Presbyterian Church and Day School, 8245 Farmington Blvd, Germantown, TN 38139.