Wilma Taylor

Wilma Buchanan Taylor, an unassuming woman of unwavering faith, was born March 16, 1927 in East Liverpool, Ohio and died September 24, 2013 in Lake Charles, Louisiana at the age of 86. A 1944 honor graduate of East Liverpool High School, she held a variety of jobs in the forties, but the one that left its mark most noticeably was with the AAA, where she developed a passion for travel. On July 1, 1950 Wilma married Clyde Robert (Bob) Taylor in Fort Worth, Texas. Their 58 years of marriage were lived out in Texas; Massachusetts; Michigan; Alexandria, Lake Charles, and Shreveport, Louisiana; California; Germantown and Fairborn, Ohio; Clear Lake Shores, Texas; and finally back to Lake Charles. Wilma said she liked all the places she lived; even in less than desirable situations she consciously chose to "make the best of it." A quiet adventurer, she hiked the mountains of California, camped all over the country on vacations with Bob, and rode with Bob on his motorcycle around Southwest Louisiana. Wilma was for many years an active member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Lake Charles. She directed Vacation Bible School, taught children's Sunday School, led the Children's Church, sang in the choir, was Sunday School Superintendent, served on the board, and participated in the Disciples Women fellowship. Preceding Wilma in death were her parents, Brady and Mildred Buchanan, husband Bob Taylor, sister Elsie Pethtel, brother John Buchanan, and daughter Rebecca (Becky) Moreno. She is survived by three children: Roberta (Bobbie) Taylor Yellott and her husband Randy, Stephen (Steve) Taylor and his wife Sally, and Michael (Mike) Taylor and his wife Jane. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Amanda Yellott Pirolo (Dan), Robbie Yellott (Leslie), David Yellott (Erin), Fredrick Racca (Spring), Joey Racca (Andrea), Ginny Racca Waggoner (Coy), Kristin Taylor Manuel (Blue), Justin Kyle Taylor (Amy), Chris Taylor (Kaylin Hawkins), Erin Taylor, and Clint Parr III. Additional survivors are 19 great-grandchildren: Adam Pirolo; Kaitlin Dilworth; Chloe Marie and Noah Yellott; Hunter, Natalie, Kinlie, Grace, Grant, Dylan, and Emma Racca; Autumn, Baylor, and Baron Waggoner; Kaylyn, Ally, and Noah Manuel; and Clint Parr IV and Conner Parr; as well as many nieces and nephews and her loving church family. Special appreciation is extended to Steve and Sally Taylor who surrounded Wilma with love and tender care in their home for the past five years. A memorial celebration will be held Sunday, September 29 at 3:00 p.m. at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Lake Charles. Officiating will be grandchildren Rev. Erin Taylor and Chaplain David Yellott. Family and friends will gather in the church fellowship hall after the service for hugs and storytelling. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Wilma's church home, First Christian Church, 2525 Second Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Cremation and services are being handled by Johnson Funeral Home.