She was born on October 14, 1935 to parents James Freddie Baker and Emily Tomasek Baker in Richmond, Virginia and raised in Highland Springs, Virginia. She attended and graduated from Highland Springs High School. While at high school she participated in the Future Homemakers of America, was a member of the National Beta Society and played French horn in the marching band. Later in life she served as a member of the Sandston Lioness Club and the Order of the Eastern Star. Gay Nell attended and was a member of Newbridge Baptist Church.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Willie E. Taylor, Jr.; her parents Freddie and Emily Baker, her daughter Vickie B. Stinehart and her sister Betty B. Schesventer.
She is survived by her children, Wanda M. Garrett (Reed), Howard F. Bonura, Jr. (Tammy) and Lisa T. Morris (Butch), grandchildren; Christopher W. Garrett (Jennifer), Chelsey M. Ammons (Michael) and Brittany L. Morris; great-grandchildren Julia, Emily and Sarah Garrett, Michael H. Ammons, Jr. and her two loving sisters; Jackie B. Mylum and Lillie B. Kieper (Ronnie), many nieces and nephews and friends galore.
Gay Nell enjoyed all sports especially football and NASCAR. She loved boating, fishing, and camping. She never missed a trip to Atlantic City with her sisters. She was fond of working puzzles, games on her iPad and was a friend to many on Facebook. She especially loved posting religious memes and prayers, lost animals and never failed to comment on postings of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved the outdoors, working in her yard, planting, tending to her flowerbeds and her fishponds.
In high school she was employed by W. D. Grants. She taught herself double entry bookkeeping and was employed as a bookkeeper/office manager for Cardwell Machine Company, Progressive Armature Company and ServiceMaster of Richmond before retiring from Loyall Rid-O-Pest, Inc. in Sandston, Virginia.
Gay Nell treasured her family, adored her children, and lovingly embraced her role as Granny. You could always find her at one of the grandchildren's school activities, sports games, birthday parties and horse shows. She especially loved Christmas and celebrating with her family.
She instilled, in her children, strong moral values and a work ethic that have served them well throughout their lives. She made the world a better place just by her presence. A quiet, humble, loving, and compassionate lady who was beloved by her adoring family and by all who knew her.
A graveside service will be held in Washington Memorial Park at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, located at 6217 Memorial Drive, Sandston, Virginia 23150.
Pastor Dave Wilde will officiate.
