Shirley Ann Taylor

Shirley Ann Taylor, 79, of Gamaliel, KY passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

Shirley was born in Macon County, Tennessee, on August 13, 1945, to Luke and Annie (Davis) Spivey. The only sister to Wendell, Tommy, Troy, Billy Joe, and Jackie, she entered the world weighing a little over 3 pounds and spent the first weeks of her life sleeping in a shoebox in a dresser drawer. Shirley always spoke so lovingly of her brothers and how they doted on her growing up. One brother followed her home from school one day when she left crying because she didn’t want to stay, just to make sure she made it home.

Shirley married Jerome Dean Taylor on September 7, 1963. Shirley's dad wasn't thrilled about her dating a Kentucky boy, so after their first date, she told Luke she was going to church with Jerome on Sunday, and that would be it. He would never see him again. Instead, Jerome won her over and succeeded in getting her to fall in love with him. They spent their honeymoon at the Kentucky State Fair, where Shirley scared Jerome to death by rocking their Ferris wheel seat. Shirley never admitted it, but laughed every time she was asked if that was what caused Jerome to develop a fear of heights.

Jerome and Shirley had two sons, Jerome Dean "Sandy" Taylor II (Annette) and Jeffrey Todd Taylor (Kathy), all of Tompkinsville. Jerome and the boys continued to love and spoil Shirley throughout the remainder of her years. Whatever Shirley wanted, they all fell in line and did, even when she made them clean the house before the cleaning lady came on Thursdays when the boys were growing up. This memory is something neither Sandy nor Jeff let her forget.

Shirley loved and adored her four grandchildren: Jerome Dean "Trey" Taylor III (Rebecca), Morgan Nichole Wellum (Josh), Clara Grace Taylor, and Lexi Rae Taylor; and her three great-grandchildren: Marley Grace DeWitt, Pray Denise Taylor, and Shiloh Kate Taylor.

Shirley was a faithful member of the Gamaliel Baptist Church and worked many years for Red Kap Industries and the Monroe County Board of Education. She will be remembered for the love she had for her church, friends, and family, and for her caring and giving heart. If anyone had a need, Shirley was always there to help. She was at her happiest when she was needed by others. She could always be found, dependable as ever, going with a friend to the doctor, babysitting and chauffeuring the grandchildren, attending a sporting event, or (one of her favorites) playing cards with friends. Her personality was as beautiful as her smile, and she loved to find humor in all aspects of her life. Wherever she was, you would find her laughing and telling stories, mostly about either herself, Jerome, or the boys. Shirley is preceded in death by her loving husband, parents, and brothers. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of close friends, including Betty Jo Murphy and Kitty Carder.

Funeral services for Shirley will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Bartley and Sons Gamaliel Chapel, with burial to follow in the Gamaliel Cemetery. Bro. Deven Smith will officiate the service.

Visitation for Shirley will be on Wednesday, January 8th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and again on Thursday morning after 8:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. at Bartley & Sons Gamaliel Chapel. 

Casket Bearers: Jerome D. Taylor III “Trey”, Ricky Spivey, Billy Spivey, Tag Taylor, Charles Taylor, Joe Taylor, Jon Vibbert, Keith Vibbert, and Tim Vibbert.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Molly Harlin Scholarship Fund.

Bartley & Sons Gamaliel Chapel is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Taylor and her family at this time.