Joan Wilson Taylor

Born on December 15, 1934, in Houston, Joan spent her early years cultivating a love for learning and the arts. She attended St. John’s School, where she was a member of the first graduating class in 1951. She continued her education at Rice University in Houston and, after a break to raise her family, finished her degree at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, in 1975. Her keen intellect and appreciation for culture remained defining aspects of her life.

Joan married Thomas (Tom) James Taylor, with whom she built a loving family and shared many cherished years. Her children survive her: T. James (Jim) Taylor, Jr., Cathryn (Cathy) T. Chapman, and Dorothy E. (Lisa) Taylor; her daughter-in-law, Cary Marriott; and her son-in-law, Scott Sura. She was also a devoted grandmother to Taylor Chapman, Dillon Chapman, Wilson Taylor, and Lucie Taylor, and a great-grandmother to Ana Sofia Chapman, Emilia Chapman, Isabel Chapman, Osa Chapman, and Paul Chapman. She was predeceased by her husband, Tom, and son-in-law Paul D. Chapman.

A woman of many passions, Joan found joy in golf, needlepoint, reading, traveling, and cooking. Her love for art and architecture was evident throughout her life, leading her to serve as a dedicated docent and donor at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and beauty left a lasting impression on those who knew her.

Joan’s legacy of intellect, lively sense of humor, love of hosting parties, joie de vivre, creativity, and warmth will be deeply missed by the many who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, Texas 77019. A reception will follow the service.

Donations in her name may be given to St. John’s School, 2401 Claremont Ln., Houston, TX 77019 (online at www.sjs.org/give) or by phone at 713-850-4125.