Nola Holland Taylor

Taylor-Nola Gaye (nee Holland), 86, of Stamford, Connecticut, a talented craftswoman and life-long student of human behavior, died in Dallas, Texas on January 14, 2023. Born on September 25, 1936 in Clay City, Kentucky, to Stanley and Florence (Johnson) Holland. Nola spent her formative years in Middletown, Ohio, graduated from Lemon-Monroe High School, and attended Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. After marrying the love of her life, Howard L. Taylor of Toledo, Ohio in 1957, she raised their four children while moving eight times before settling in Westfield, New Jersey in 1967. While in Westfield, Nola perfected her craftsmanship in a myriad of media including needlework, painting, leaded glass, weaving, and use of natural fibers. In addition, she enjoyed her volunteer service at the Miller-Cory House Museum.

Two decades later, Nola and family moved to Paris, France where she completed her bachelor's degree in social sciences from Olivet. Nola traveled extensively while living in Europe and she considered her time in Russia to be her favorite. Upon returning to the US, the marriage ended, and Nola- always interested in antiques, history, and biographies-reveled in a staff position as a docent and archival researcher for the Bush-Holley House, part of the Greenwich Historical Society in Cos Cob, Connecticut. Nola retired in 2020 and in 2021, Nola moved to McKinney, Texas to be closer to family.

Known for her gracious hosting and neck scarves, Nola will be remembered as a sincere, generous friend able to keep a secret. She is survived by her sister, Phyllis Holland Davis of Gahanna, Ohio, sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Taylor Walther of Knoxville, Tennessee, daughters Lynda (Steve) Morley of McKinney Texas, and Cynthia (Christopher) Verardi, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, son Richard Taylor of Little Elm, Texas, ten grandchildren. a great-grandchild, six nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 30 years, and eldest daughter, Carole Lynn. Future inurnment will be in the Mound Cemetery , Monroe, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who are able to make a donation to a historic location of their personal choice

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