Helen S Taylor 3/3/38 – 7/16/24
After a long illness, Helen Taylor entered her eternal life and the warm embrace of her Creator and all her loved ones who pre-deceased her. She is survived by her sister Margaret Payne, children and step-children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and numerous friends and family.
Helen Jane Stearns was born at home in Elmore County, to Roy and Hilda Stearns, with special assistance from her grandmother, Janie Woodall. The family later moved to Montgomery.
Helen married Travis Bruce Wood in 1956, while still at Sidney Lanier High School, and they enjoyed a life of love, hard work, laughter, and adventure until his untimely death in 1985. Each of their children was born in a different city, and their journey took them from Tuscaloosa to Montgomery, Mobile, and across the US to Forestport, New York. Then they crossed the ocean to Hawaii and Trinidad, and back to New Jersey, before moving to Birmingham to complete their education at UAB. Their next stop was Huntsville, and then Fort Lauderdale, where she was widowed.
Helen then moved to Madison, to be closer to family. There she met Lynn Taylor at Trinity Baptist Church. After he lost his wife, they had more than 20 years together before his death. Helen was devoted to the church and mission work in the Dominican Republic and Perry County and made arrangements to continue supporting that work for many years after her death. She was equally devoted to family, near and far.
In retirement, Helen volunteered at the church and Madison Hospital. Many will remember her kindness and her wisdom. She was an avid reader, Scrabble player, crossword, jigsaw, puzzler, and gardener. She was a steel magnolia with a sharp mind and wicked sense of humor.
A family graveside service will be held on Monday, July 22 at 2 PM at Seman Baptist Church in Elmore County, where she will be laid to rest next to Travis. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church (Date and Time TBA.)
Left to treasure her memory are: Diane Wood, Travis & Deidre Wood, Charles and Missy Wood, Linda and Zack Turner, Margie Nell Hardin, Margaret and David Payne, Jennifer Payne, Dave Payne, Beck Boggs, Chris & Erin Boggs, Heath and Jenny Wood, Cody & Angel Wood, Meg & Will Hampton, Lesia & Jimmy Stowe, Keith & Jenny Taylor, Sundra & Mike Keck, Jeremy & Mindy Stowe, Julia Taylor, Sara Taylor, Emily Taylor, Tiffany Sims, Taylor Keck, and numerous cousins, other relatives, and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Those who wish to honor her may donate to the Travis B. Wood Memorial Mathematics Scholarship at UAB: UAB Gift Records, AB 1230, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0112.
https://memorials.gassettfuneralhome.net/helen-s--taylor/5461983/index.php