Vera Christine Taylor
Born September 16, 1927 in Sallisaw, Oklahoma to Walter and Cora Mae (Callahan) Smith
Third born of 12 children, Vera grew up knowing hard work. It took every family member to keep the farm producing enough food to keep the family alive. She got her education in the one room Harrison School and loved to attend the school reunions.
Reminiscing with former classmates about baseball and volleyball as well as the old teachers always made for a good time. Vera was also a pretty good barrel racer and enjoyed the local competitions.
She went to Dallas for a brief time and worked at Singer Brothers Furniture. When she returned to Sallisaw, she was invited to a party and it was there she met her future husband, Edward Taylor. They were married for 67 years and had 4 children; Sharon, Joyce, Janet and Gary.
While Edward worked in a factory, Vera kept their farm going. She looked after the cattle and only had to call Edward twice to come home during calving season. Her orchard trees were always full of fruit, the garden produced more than enough for the family, so she shared with friends. There were no strangers in her home. When a meal was ready, everyone around was welcome at her table. As the years rolled by, the hard work of yesteryears began to take its' toll. She suffered greatly with Arthritis and gave up her hard work and concentrated on feeding seasonal birds, with Hummingbirds being her favorite.
Vera loved to travel. She was often kidded because if anyone said they were going somewhere, she would say, "Wait just a minute and I'll get my purse and shoes and go with you." Her love of adventure prompted the formation of the Taylor Girl Ya-Yas: Taylors by birth, marriage or association. What happened on a Ya-Ya trip stayed with the girls long after the trip ended. Duck tape had been known to be used on the "mouthy" ones. A family vacation to Wyoming was one of her favorite trips. This fun loving lady will be missed but will live on in our memories.
She is survived by her daughters, Sharon McDonald and husband Jim of Claremore, OK, Joyce Taylor of Sallisaw, OK and Janet Cullison and husband Marc of Sallisaw, OK
son, Gary Taylor and wife Shelli of Sallisaw, OK
six grandchildren: Christina Klein and husband Larry of Oklahoma City, OK, Jason McDonald and wife Denell of Claremore, OK, Courtney Cullison of Coweta, OK, Kristy Armstrong and husband Jared of Sallisaw, OK, Robin Sumpter and husband Bobby of Vian, OK, Matthew Taylor and special friend, Natalee of Sallisaw, OK
step granddaughter: Felicia Spurlock and husband Ringo of Sallisaw, OK
four great grandchildren: Ava and Andi Armstrong, Jaxon and Tripp Sumpter
step great grandchildren: Teri, Kateln and Shamus Hall, Payton and Hudson Spurlock
four sisters: Neccie Hill, Marie Leigh, Polly England and Faye Lassley
three brothers: Gomer, Junior and Jim Smith
sister in law: Theda Paddock
brother in law: Dewey Taylor
several nieces, nephews and former daughter in law: Kathy Taylor
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister: Ruby Morris and brothers: Guy, Jairl and Maxie Smith
A Remembrance of her life was held 2 - 4 pm Sunday at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
A private family ceremony will be held at the Taylor Family Cemetery.
