Phyllis Jean Taylor

Aug. 19, 1933 - Aug. 24, 2023

Phyllis Moxley Taylor, 90, of Overland Park, Kansas and formerly of Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away on August 24, 2023.

Phyllis entered this life on August 19, 1933 in South Bend, Indiana, the third daughter born to Pearl Lou (Barton) Moxley and Ulysses S. Moxley. In South Bend, she grew up surrounded by loving and devoted family, eventually leaving to enroll at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. There, she met the true love of her life, William M. Taylor. The two married on June 12, 1954, a union that produced three daughters, Cynthia, Leslie and Sheila.

The family life was enriched by William's service in the U.S. Air Force service that would take the family all over the United States and abroad. Throughout, Phyllis and who held undergraduate and graduate degrees from Indiana University and Johns Hopkins University and pursued her career in elementary education, stateside and abroad. She served in positions that included elementary school teacher, math resource teacher, assistant principal and interim principal.

A vibrant, social "people person," Phyllis was a member of numerous organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Links Incorporated, and The Girl Friends, Inc. She enjoyed golf, Tai Chi, water aerobics and many bridge clubs, and was active in her church, St. Matthew Presbyterian in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Phyllis was preceded in death by beloved husband, Col. William M. Taylor; daughter, Maj. Cynthia Taylor Ward; sister, Lorraine Rouse and brother-in-law, Carl Rouse; and sister, Doris Haley and brother-in-law, George Haley. She is survived by daughters, Leslie (Ricardo) Taylor Stovall and Dr. Sheila (Kenneth) Taylor Goins; grandsons, Theodore (Sarah) R. Taylor III, Kenneth M. Goins, Jr. and William E. Goins; one great-grandson, Theodore R. Taylor IV; nieces, Anne Haley Brown, Cecilia Rouse and Carolyn Rouse; and nephews, Forest Rouse and David Haley. Also left to cherish her memory are a host of treasured family members and friends.

Phyllis spent the last five years of her life in the Kansas City area, where she was a resident at the Brookdale Overland Park, Clare Bridge facility. She was known there for her grace, her smile, and her love of activities, outings and guest musicians. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Brookdale Overland Park, Clare Bridge, for the loving care they gave her and for the support they provided to the family.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2023 at St. Matthew Presbyterian Church, 4001 Bel Pre Road, Silver Spring, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Dementia Society of America, in memory of Phyllis M. Taylor, at www.dementiasociety.org/donate.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/washingtonpost/name/phyllis-taylor-obituary?id=53291059