Emma J. Taylor

Emma Jeanettie Taylor, cherished mother, wife, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on September 24, 1930 in Hillsboro, Tennessee, she was known by everyone for her warmth and love for life. She was a constant presence in her family's businesses and community events.

Emma attended local schools and was a proud graduate of Hillsboro High School. She was a good student and played girls basketball for the Warriors. It was at one of these basketball games where she met her future husband M.T. (Thomas) Taylor.

Her first job was as an elevator operator at the Stallman Building in Nashville. She and Thomas were married February 4, 1950 and made their home in Fairview, Tennessee. They worked all their lives to make Fairview a better place. She was the chief proprietor of Fairview Variety Store, where she was known for her kindness and helpfulness unless you were a shoplifter.

Throughout her life she endeavored to treat everyone the way she wanted to be treated and to never speak an unkind word about anyone.

She took pride in her work at the Harpeth Valley and Fairview Elementary School PTAs. She and Anne Lee were the leaders of Girl Scout Troop 399. She was active in the local Home Demonstration Club, Fernvale Methodist Church Sunday School teacher,, Vacation Bible School leader and a fierce advocate for her children's education.

She devoted herself to her grandchildren and included them in her business activities, letting them sell their crafts at her Variety Store.

She and Thomas traveled widely and included their grandchildren whenever possible. To be honest, however, she enjoyed the local visits to Opryland and Dollywood the most.

Not one to impose her opinions on others, she kept her private thoughts in journals that reflected her sharp observational skills.

Emma is survived her son, Tom (Andrewena) Taylor, and daughter Marsha Taylor, Granddaughter Kathleen Jefferies, Grandson Mattew Taylor, Great Granddaughter Quinn Taylor, Great Grandson Lucas Taylor and Sister Frances Hillin with whom she shared a special bond.

Emma was preceded in death by her Husband, Thomas Taylor, her Father Coley Mangrum and Mother Jeanie Mangrum. Also preceding her in death were her brothers Roy, Cleo, Jeff, Frank, Thomas and Nelson Mangrum, and sisters Maggie Kirkpatrick and Estelle Inman.

Visitation will be held on June 17, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Harpeth Hills Memory Garden on Hwy 100 in Nashville, Tennessee. Following the visitation, a funeral service will take place starting at 1:30 p.m. at that same location. Pastor Carlisle Jones of Franklin First United Methodist Church Officiating.