Agnes Taylor

After a lifetime that spanned almost a century, Agnes Leighton Hester Taylor died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on March 8, 2008.



Her life was a daily celebration of joys family, friendship, and faith. A service commemorating this life well-lived will be held Monday, March 10, 2008 at 2:00 PM at Dublin First Baptist Church, Dublin, NC.



Her beloved husband of 64 years, Alton Wade Taylor and her cherished children, Agnes Berlene Nance, and husband Ernest, and Alton Whitted Taylor, preceded her in death. In addition, she follows in death her loving parents, Nash Whitted and Annie Caroline Allen Hester as well as her dear siblings, Hazel Grimes, Nash Winton Hester, Lena Lyles Garner, Annie Caroline Edwards, and Edwin Earl Hester.



She leaves behind a host of family and friends to cherish her memory. She was a loving and devoted mother to her children. Those surviving include Max Otis Taylor and wife, Joanne of Newport News, VA; Ena Faye Barker Thompson of Greensboro, NC; Sandra White Dail and husband, Harvey, of New Bern, NC; and daughter-in-law, Annette Taylor of Dublin, NC. Her sister, Pansy Grimes, resides in Dublin, NC. A special, devoted friend of the family, Ms. Rosa Belle McDowell, resides in Elizabethtown, NC. Additionally, she will be missed by many nieces and nephews.



Agnes was lovingly named "Big Mama" by her first grandchild and was thereafter known as such by her grandchildren and the children of the community. Big Mama was the cherished grandmother of 18 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren. They have been touched in immeasurable ways by her generosity and extraordinary spirit. Big Mama offered unconditional and nonjudgmental love to each person and led by exemplifying a true Christian walk. Her children and grandchildren, as well as those fortunate enough to know her, will be inspired by her memory forever.



Agnes was born in Bladen County, NC on February 24, 1909. She was educated at Dublin School and graduated from Elizabethtown High School. She was a devoted homemaker, but found time to assist her husband in their business, Taylor Furniture Store. At one time, Agnes was the proud proprietor of a raincoat and shoe outlet. She loved to cook, especially if everyone in the family would come! Many in the family and community have enjoyed her crocheted items and handmade aprons. Dublin First Baptist Church was a special place for her as a lifelong member. She was their oldest member prior to her death.



The family will receive friends prior to the service at the Fellowship Hall of Dublin First Baptist Church, Dublin, NC from 1:00-1:45 PM.



Memorials will be made to the Alton W. Taylor Scholarship Fund, c/o Dublin First Baptist Church, 7275 Albert Street, Dublin, NC 28332.