Janet "Jan" May Taylor

Jan Taylor, wife, mother and friend to many, peacefully ended her struggle with Alzheimer’s disease Tuesday morning, November 12, 2024.   

Born April 30, 1949 to Granville and Ila Haddock May in Central, Alabama, Jan was the oldest of four daughters, known as “the May Girls.”  Her first twelve years were spent living in a small town outside of Florence with her dog, Jingles, and picking cotton in the summer.  A childhood spent in the country instilled in her a strong work ethic as well as an appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. 

The May family moved to Florence, Alabama in 1960.  In the 7th grade, she met Mark Taylor, who would eventually become the love of her life.  In 1967, they graduated from Coffee High School and began dating that summer.  To nobody’s surprise, Mark followed Jan to the University of Alabama where she was very active in the Kappa Delta sorority.  
After a year and a half, Mark transferred to Auburn University to start his life’s path in construction law, leaving Jan in Tuscaloosa.  Undeterred, he soon convinced her to marry him.  They were betrothed in 1970 and Jan transferred to Auburn where she graduated with a degree in education in 1971. 

After a short stint in Gulfport, Mississippi, and a couple of years in Gainesville, Florida, they found themselves back in Auburn where Jan began her teaching career and earned a Master’s degree in education.  Jan’s teaching career in gifted education spanned 25 years in Alabama, Texas, and Colorado.  Her son, Josh, was born in Bryan, Texas while Molly was born in Auburn. 

After she retired from teaching in Colorado in 2006, Jan and Mark once again moved back to their roots in Auburn -- for the fourth time.  Jan became busier in retirement than while teaching.  She was involved with the Auburn United Methodist choir in the 1970s, 1980s, and after returning in 2007.  She cherished her time with choir friends, her handbell group, and reconnecting with her longtime friends.   

Jan and Mark loved travelling and had many adventures, travelling to 48 of the 50 states and over 20 countries internationally. Jan was always involved, whether it be the AU Campus Club, the University Club, the AUMC Food Bank, her book club, bridge group, garden club, or her monthly cocktail meeting with friends.  Jan was a friend to many and never met a stranger.  Even after her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Jan remained active with her social activities as best as she could.  Her choir friends were gracious enough to help her with her music when she could no longer keep up with the rest.  Her bridge group friends were kind enough to keep her in the loop even when she could no longer actively compete. 

Among the many things she enjoyed throughout her life were animals, all kinds of crafts, music, dancing, the arts, sports, flowers, nature, travel, and people.  She loved children, education, and learning, which made her a natural to become a remarkable teacher.  She made friends easily wherever she lived and had a gift for showing kindness, compassion, and acceptance. 

The saying, “Though she be but little, she is fierce” absolutely applies to Jan.  Those closest to her know she was a pistol, and they have vivid memories of her short fuse and quick temper.  However, these qualities never lasted long and she was always willing to work towards a place of understanding and respect.  

In addition to her many friends (too many to name), Jan leaves behind, with heavy hearts, her husband, Mark, of 54 years, son Josh and his wife Stacy (Opelika, AL), daughter Molly (Denver, CO), sisters Bonnie O’Steen (Florence, AL), Debbie Heard (Decatur, AL) and Amy Hudson (Birmingham, AL), as well as a host of nieces and nephews.  

One thing we miss, and will continue to miss, are her clever use of nicknames.  “Bear” for Mark, “Charlie Brown” for Josh, “Woody” for Molly, and “the Hannahs” for some of her special friends.  All who knew Jan were well aware that she loved to have a good time wherever she was.  She loved life and enriched the lives of others no matter where she was. 

Her family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Jan’s caregivers over the last two years – Mercede Bronson-Thomas, Tonya Bronson and Betty Ballard.  They not only took care of Jan, but were her friends and made life much easier for her family.  The family would also like to express their gratitude to the professional and compassionate care of the staff at Bethany House where Jan spent her final 12 days.

A service will be held at the Chapel of AUMC on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 2:00 pm with visitation and reception immediately following at Fig and Ivy (2290 Moores Mill Road).  Dr. Cory Smith will be officiating with Gary Klarenbeek providing musical inspiration.   

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jan’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.