Wendy Taylor Eulogy
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Wendy Taylor N. CHARLESTON - Wendy Michelle Taylor, 49 years of age, of North Charleston, South Carolina, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. She was born in Marrero, Louisiana, on August 16, 1973, and is survived by her mother, Margaret L. Taylor of Summerville, South Carolina; an aunt and uncle, J. D. and Jean Landis of Burleson, Texas; and cousins, Michael W. Landis of Burleson, Texas, Dana Landis Biedrzycki of Crosby, Texas, and De(e)'Ette Landis Binder of Federal Way, Washington. She was predeceased by her father, Charles Winston Taylor - Summerville, South Carolina; grandparents, Cecil and Juanita Landis - Shreveport, Louisiana, and Ira and Kathleen Taylor - Meetairie, Louisiana. Wendy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana, in 1994; a Master of Science Education degree from University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, in 1996 and Master of Library Science degree from University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, in 2006. Throughout her career, Wendy served as a teacher in many capacities around the world.
In her early years as a Journeyman, she taught K-12 in a one-room schoolhouse setting, the children of missionaries in Buenos Aries, Argentina. Upon returning to the U.S., she taught undergraduate chemistry at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver while beginning a doctoral degree in organic chemistry. Following further education, Wendy moved to Nairobi, Kenya, where she taught primarily middle school science at Rosslyn Academy from 1999-2003, and was also director of the student handbell choir.
After returning from Kenya, she pursued her Master's in Library Science. After completing her degree, she was Librarian at Sam Waite Elementary School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In January, Wendy began her 15th year as Librarian at Drayton Hall Elementary in West Ashley. Wendy's students loved her and described her as "enthusiastic, awesome, funny, cool, creative, and the best ever." Wendy was an active member of Cooper River Baptist Church in North Charleston, where she served in the children's ministry. She was also an avid reader, a talented musician, enjoyed quilting, and loved to travel. She was a member of the Cobblestone Quilt Guild, was a volunteer for several years at the St. Frances Roper Hospital in West Ashley, and was a current Board member and ringer with the Palmetto Bronze Handbell Ensemble based in Summerville. A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 o'clock p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Summerville Baptist Church, 417 Central Avenue, Summerville, SC.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations may be made as follows: Cooper River Baptist Church - 1059 Crawford Street, North Charleston, SC 29405; Summerville Baptist Church Missions Fund, 417 Central Avenue, Summerville, SC 29483; Palmetto Bronze Handbell Ensemble via on-line by logging in at: palmettobronze.com;
Rosslyn Academy - via check made out to "Rosslyn Academy" and mailed to Rosslyn Academy - Wendy Taylor Memorial, 1785 Pleasant Stream Rd., Trout Run, PA 17771. Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME,
Wendy Loved Music. Her love for music began at a very young age. As a little girl , at church, she would stand next to the organ while her mom played and turn the pages. As a teenager she started playing hand bells and from that time on she was hooked and played and taught them right up until she passed.
She also had a love for travel and adventure. The family would love to take long trips by car, so as not to miss out on the sights and sounds of the journey.
She and her dad loved to to travel to the historical sights in and around New Orleans.
Since Wendy loved music and the musical the “sound of music” Her parents took her to the real life home of the Von Trapps in Vermont which had been operating as a lodge.
One day they surprised Wendy by taking her to the sight where one of her favorite movies had been filmed, On Golden Pond. The home in the movie had been turned into a bed and breakfast and they booked a room. Upon seeing the sign, Wendy began to jump up and down with excitement even though they were still in the car. While they were there, her parents purchased for her a sweatshirt from the gift shop.
Wendy returned 30 years later to the same bed and breakfast wearing the same sweatshirt purchased. And 30 years later the owners remembered who she was.
Wendy was a memorable person. When one thinks of a librarian, one doesn’t always think of spirited young woman with a zeal for life, but that was Wendy.
No doubt the love for adventure and travel developed in her as a child was the hand of God preparing Wendy to serve with the IMB in both Buenos Aires and Nairobi.
In fact here are a few memories from her students that were shared online.
Ms. Taylor was my first teacher on my first day of high school at Rosslyn. I was so nervous and she was so kind and calm and friendly. I felt safe and cared for during such a tough and turbulent time and I´m so thankful for her. I´m praying for you all.
Bethany Brown Phillips
School
February 17, 2023
My condolences to family and friends. Ms. Taylor was my handbell teacher at Rosslyn. Having been a teacher myself for years, I now have a much better idea of how much patience and love it must have taken to have hyperactive 16 y/o me in class. Thanks for investing in me, MS. Taylor, even when I was too immature to appreciate it.
William Wesley Miller
Other
February 16, 2023
Ms. Taylor taught my 8th grade science class in Kenya in 2001. She was passionate and excited about every single lesson. It was infectious, and I remember looking forward to every class.
She played handbells too, and could do an entire choirs worth of bells all just by herself. It was magical. I looked up to her so much.
I am so sad to hear of her passing. She was an amazing role model and I am so lucky to have had her as a teacher.
Brenna Souza
School
February
Wendy was a memorable person. The quality that stuck out about her the most was the Joy of the Lord that just resonated from her.
Wendy served in our Awan program as the secretary. I can honestly say I have never met a person so excited about keeping records. The record keeping system for Awana is somewhat complex but Wendy had it organized and ready to go with ease.
Wendy was refreshingly honest but grace filled. When I was interviewing her for church membership. She looked at me and said, “Now every church that I have been apart of sees a single woman and immediately wants to put me in nursery” . That isn't where I would like to serve.” Wendy was confident in who she was in christ. She put her talents and gifts to good use.
Wendy had a way of taking what came her way with joy and enthusiasm. Anytime I would ask her how she was doing she would always smile and say, I’m good. As a church we prayed and laid hands on Wendy before her open-heart surgery. Even in that situations she sat their with smile.
About two weeks before her death. We were talking at church. I am not sure how it came up but she said this, ”the Doctors told me they can only fix my heart two more times. So I know I'm not going get real old. But that’s okay, I don’t worry about. I’m good.” Wendy had a love and a trust in the Lord and no matter what came her way .Her being okay with her own passing gave me and many others comfort amidst the tragedy of it. She may have only lived on this earth for 49 years, yet because of her love for adventure and a servants heart she lived a full and happy life in Christ.
I just know that if Wendy could speak to us now from heaven, she would tell us that living for the Lord was worth it and that she is way better than good!