Gertrude W. Taylor

Gertrude W. Taylor, 106, of Marietta passed away Thursday, March 16, 2017. Before moving to Marietta in 2007, Gertrude was a resident of Marianna, Florida and a member of First United Methodist Church of Marianna for more than fifty years. She spent much of her time in service to her church, her friends, and her family. While in Marianna, Gertrude held offices in many clubs (Marianna Garden, Dames Club, Women’s Society of Christian Service-WSCS, United Methodist Women, Retired Teachers Association, Coordinator of Older Adults) to name a few. She enjoyed art, music, poetry, drama, flower arranging, reading her Bible, and the beauty of God’s creation. Gertrude taught at Sunland Training Center in Marianna during the mid 60’s through the mid 70s and served in a variety of capacities. Gertrude loved her work there and time with the residents was her favorite. When asked, in an interview at age 100, what her biggest accomplishment was she stated, “Teaching a trainable, mentally retarded person how to write his name.” This accomplishment speaks of her love for the “least of these” and her love for all human kind. When Gertrude moved to Marietta, she lived independently until she was 105 years old at Winnwood Retirement Home serving others with her kindness, cooking, wit, and humor. She worshiped at First United Methodist Church when she was able. All who knew Gertrude, loved her. Gertrude is remembered best for her ability to tell a story. Her stories were rich with detail and when she finished a story, you felt as though you had seen a movie. Gertrude’s family has copies of many of her stories that will be cherished for generations. There is so much to say about this remarkable woman, but one memory that family members fondly recall is Thanksgiving. Gertrude enjoyed planning programs and Thanksgiving was a perfect time for the family to be part of her program. She would stand at the head of the table and recite “Let Gratitude Be Your Attitude” and “The World is Mine.” Afterwards, Gertrude and family members would share their thankfulness, followed by singing, “Count Your Blessings.” Both the poems and the song exemplify her attitude towards life and the value of all mankind. Her final year on this earth was spent with her daughter and family in Marietta. Each night the family would gather for dinner, along with the ladies who so lovingly cared for her. Afterward, Gertrude’s daughter would sit with her and talk, read the Bible, quote favorite scriptures, sing hymns, and pray. These memories will be cherished for a life time. Gertrude passed away peacefully in her daughter and son-in-law’s home on March 16, 2017 at the age of 106. She was an amazing woman of God who lived well and loved abundantly. Gertrude will be remembered by friends and family for her stories and as one who loved her Lord, family, friends, and people from all walks of life. Gertrude’s rich legacy will continue for generations to come. A Memorial Service will be held 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 2nd at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta with Rev. Elaine Wilder officiating. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Thomasville, GA. Survivors include two children, Charles Taylor of Longview, Texas, Sylvia T. Sharron of Marietta, GA; five grandchildren, Vic Taylor, Kimberly Taylor, Crystal Taylor all of Texas, Taylor Irby of Sarajevo, Bosnia, Lauren Fici of Marietta, GA; five great grandchildren, Hudson Hyde of Texas, Israel, Elijah, Adeline, Zoe Irby of Sarajevo, Bosnia. Flowers are appreciated and contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 56 Whitlock Ave. SW, Marietta, GA 30064. Family will receive friends 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Gertrude W. Taylor

November 23, 1910 - March 16, 2017