Mary Taylor

Mary Langdon Taylor, who was known simply as 'Miss Mary" by former students and many of the people with whom and for whom she volunteered in Rock Hill, was born in Claremont, New Hampshire on March 18, 1921 to William and Evelyn Langdon. She and her two sisters, Felicia and Pricilla, attended Stevens High School in Claremont. Upon graduation she was accepted to Wellesley College and subsequently graduated with majors in both music and biology in 1943. After graduation, she married John R. Taylor and raised five children-- all of whom benefited in immeasurable ways from her keen intellect, her love of literature and music, and her unconditional love. In 1976, she moved to South Carolina and earned her credentials in Early Childhood Education so that she could teach kindergarten in Manning, South Carolina. To the delight of her children, her classroom was filled with music and living things. She insisted the school provide her with a piano so she could sing with and to her kindergarteners. When she retired from teaching in 1987, she volunteered for the Lutheran Church's Diaconal Year Program and served churches in Savannah, Georgia; Portland, Oregon; and Deland, Florida over a period of four years. Following her service with the church, she moved to Rock Hill where she became well known in the community for her volunteer work. She became a docent at the Museum of York County and was always assigned to lead tours and tell stories to young children. She also volunteered as a clerical assistant at Piedmont Legal Services for many years. Most of all, she lugged her trusty (but heavy) keyboard all over Rock Hill (well into her late eighties) to play and sing for senior citizens at Park Avenue Adult Daycare, Agape Senior Assisted Living, HarborChase, Sterling House, White Oak Manor and Eden Gardens, among others. Miss Mary was an active and dedicated member of Epiphany Lutheran Church and she loved that their logo states the words 'Welcome All, Accept All, Love All.' She is survived by her five children: Holly H. Kinney of Wichita, KS; Mary D. Coleman of Kennett Square, PA; Patricia A. Schleifer of Harrisonburg, VA; James L. Taylor of San Rafael, CA; John S. Taylor of Camden, SC (formerly of Rock Hill); five grandchildren and one great grandchild. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, January 10th at 2:00 PM at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Rock Hill. Memorials may be made to the Evangelical Lutheran Church's 'Good Gifts' Program by going to elca.org under 'ELCA Good Gifts"; or, in lieu of a donation, you might volunteer for any type of service to children, seniors, or those in need and tell them that Miss Mary sent you! The family was served by Palmetto Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Mill, SC.

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