JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Shirley Thrift Taylor, 86, died Wednesday night, June 14, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Jacksonville, Fla., after an extended illness.
Ms. Taylor was born September 20, 1936, to Thelma and Gordon Thrift. She was raised on a farm in Pierce County, along with her sisters, Mary Lou Robinson, Terrie Bray and Linda Turner.
Ms. Taylor shared many wonderful stories over the years about the hard work they did, the strong family ties they had, traditions handed down, working tobacco crops, picking up pecans, growing up in the country, family members near and far, and the importance of honoring your heritage.
She left the farm to attend Candler School of Nursing in Savannah, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Nursing degree. Ms. Taylor enjoyed being a member of the women’s basketball team during her college years.
Being a nurse was a passion and a tremendous source of pride. It defined her and shaped her life’s path. An independent, career woman, Ms. Taylor worked in a wide variety of medical settings — doctor’s offices, hospitals, plant nurse at Maxwell House Coffee, Visiting Nurses, Ware Correctional Institute, and in-service instructor at University Hospital in Jacksonville.
By far, her favorite role was Director of Nursing in the field of geriatrics. Ms. Taylor worked tirelessly at several nursing homes to ensure the elderly under her watch received the utmost care.
She received numerous awards and recognition over the years, and maintained an active nursing license through 2020. Ms. Taylor was a role model to her family of what it meant to do a job you love and do it well.
In addition to her career, she enjoyed country music, sitting on a front porch, fall weather, rainy days, pound cake, taking naps, the University of Georgia Bulldogs, staying close to home, and her family.
Ms. Taylor was preceded in death by her husband, Lawton “LG” Taylor, whom she dearly missed. Since his passing, she lived with, and was cared for, by her daughters, Pam Farrell and Brenda Rein, and her granddaughter, Caitlin Rein. She is survived by many other dear relatives.
Visitation will take place at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday, June 21) and a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Interment to follow in Blackshear City Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed by posting to her tribute wall, or by viewing the video tribute and funeral service recording at www.musicfuneralhome.com.
