Mary McElroy Taylor

She was born July 1, 1927, in Scotland, Indiana, to Ralph and Elizabeth McElroy. She grew up in Austin, Texas, and graduated from Round Rock High School in 1943. She married Charlie Taylor of Sweetwater, Texas, on December 26, 1946. They moved to Odessa in 1953. Mary received a B.A. in Elementary Education from UTPB in 1974. She taught at Travis Elementary and Gale Pond Alamo Elementary. After retiring she especially enjoyed sharing her love of reading by tutoring selected students in math and reading.

Mary was a strong, forward thinking, caring and compassionate woman. Some of the ways she served the community were as a member of League of Women Voters, Rotary Anns, Symphony Guild, P.E.O. and the Medical Center Auxiliary Guild. She was active in the establishment of Family Promise and delivered Meals on Wheels weekly until she was 96.

Mary’s Christian faith was lived daily in all of the small quiet ways she helped others. She was a charter member of St. Paul Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon and Elder until 1993. She then joined and served at First Presbyterian Church. She was a faithful member of Lost Tribe - a remnant of women from St. Paul who faithfully love and support each other while supporting Austin Theological Seminary.

Mary is survived by her son Michael and wife Trisha Taylor of Valdosta, Georgia; her daughter Diane and husband Dr. David Beal of Sunnyvale, Texas; her daughter Nancy Ericson of Mesquite, Texas; her three grandchildren Geoffrey and wife Angela Ericson of Mesquite; Kim and husband Allen Freisem of Atlanta; Brian and wife Leah Beal of Los Angeles; five great-granddaughters and five great-grandsons; her brother Jim McElroy of San Jose, California; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Charlie Taylor, infant son Henry Lee, brothers John and Howard McElroy and sisters Jean Knapp and Carol Foster.

Mary lived a simple life raising her three kids, nurturing her family, and serving others. In her own quiet way she was an excellent role model for not only her kids but also the many people her life touched.

A service celebrating the life of Mary Taylor will be held at 11:00 AM, on September 25, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church, 1401 N. Sam Houston. The family suggests memorials be given to Meals on Wheels of Odessa, Family Promise of Odessa, or Presbyterian Mo Ranch Assembly in Hunt, Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frankwwilson.com for the Taylor family.