Rachel Taylor went to be with her Lord and Savior April 10, 2024 at home in Huntsville, Alabama. Funeral services will be at Memory Chapel Funeral Home at 2 pm Sunday, April 14, 2024 with Reverend Chris Waddell officiating. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Rachel was born to Nora V. Smelley and John Barton William Smelley on January 20, 1937, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Rachel married Edward Milton Taylor December 15, 1956. They were married for 51 years until his passing on October 6, 2008.
Rachel is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Johnny Barton Smelley, Jimmy E. Smelley, Juanita Smelley Irvin and Viola Smelley Lawrence. Surviving children are William Edward Taylor (Connie), Kathy Taylor Givhan (Bryan) and Judy Taylor Knight (Lenn). Surviving grandchildren are Andrew Taylor (Laura), Courtney Taylor (Brittany), Korey Sullivan (Amber), Brittiany Harper Stroud (Will), Rachel Brianna Harper, Bryan Steven Givhan, Jr. (Sarah Grace), Edward Coats Givhan, Melody Knight (Alex Hipps) and Grace Knight Bender (Chase). Surviving great-grandchildren are Stella Logan, Grady Logan, Josie Laine Taylor, Grayson Taylor, Riley Taylor, Cyndi Brooke Sullivan, Caroline Sullivan, Jasper Sullivan, Callan Everest Stroud, Vivienne Harper Stroud and Katherine Ellis Stroud. Surviving siblings are Frank Smelley (Evelene), Ronald Gene Smelley (Jane) and Joanne Jones (Paul) and a host of nieces and nephews.
Rachel cared deeply for her family not out of obligation but because of who she was. Rachel had a servants heart always more comfortable serving others rather than being served. Family and friends alike knew if there was ever a need Rachel would be the first to help. Rachel set an enduring example of covenant commitment in marriage caring for Milton at home through Alzheimer’s denying time for herself in devotion to him. Rachel and Milton together raised their children to know and love God and for that legacy we are forever grateful.
Rachel cared deeply for her family not out of obligation but because of who she was. Rachel has a servants heart always more comfortable serving others rather than being served. Family and friends alike knew if there was ever a need Rachel would be the first to help. Rachel set an enduring example of covenant commitment in marriage caring for Milton at home through Alzheimer's denying time for herself in devotion to him. Rachel and Milton together raised their children to know and love God and for that legacy we are forever grateful.
Pallbearers will be Andrew Taylor, Courtney Taylor, Korey Sullivan, Chase Bender, Alex Hipps and William Stroud.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to:
Jackson Way Baptist Church, 1001 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville, AL 35801;
Highlands College, 3660 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35986;
Wapiti Valley Church, 3122 North Fork Highway, PO Box 181, Wapiti, Wyoming 82450.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5