Mrs. Mary Herbert Taylor

Caring, loving, and good-natured to the end, Mary Herbert Taylor died on November 14, 2022. The youngest of four children, she was born in Columbia, SC on October 10, 1923, to Robert Beverley Herbert of the Plains, Virginia, and Georgia Rucker Hull of Augusta, Georgia. She was raised on Edisto Avenue with her brothers, Beverley and Jim, and sister Georgia. Her parent’s regard for poetry, music, and literature took root in Mary’s life. Fishing trips and gardening with her father planted seeds which grew into an abiding love and wonder of God’s creation. Making lifelong friends in her neighborhood, Mary valued the significance of strong friendships throughout her life. After graduating from Sweet Briar College in Virginia, Mary married Dr. Edmund Rhett Taylor of Columbia, SC soon after his return from World War II. They lived in Rochester, Minnesota and Durham, NC before returning to Columbia with their young family. Building a home on Spring Lake, Mary and Edmund raised their children in an atmosphere that regularly included grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Neighborhood children, numerous animals of all kinds, and friends in general felt welcome at Westshore Road. Mary had a knack for keeping flowers on the table and was ready to whip up something delicious to eat at a moment’s notice. Around that wooden table, there was interesting conversation, laughter, and a sense of belonging. She and Edmund enfolded their children’s spouses into the family circle. Mary brought poetry, music, and art into her home. She encouraged family and friends to “make it your own” by committing favorite poems, songs, and Bible verses to memory. She played the piano, organized neighborhood Christmas caroling, and sang her children and grandchildren to sleep at night moving seamlessly from song to song. In the summers, Mary loaded the station wagon with her four children, the family dog, provisions of fresh corn, peaches, and occasionally the child next door, then drove 500 miles to Avenel, her father’s ancestral farm in northern Virginia. What followed was an adventurous month for the children of swimming, horseback riding, fishing, catching critters, singing, and cooking out with their Virginia cousins. Fully engaged in community service, Mary worked diligently for years in various organizations devoted to the well-being of Columbia and the people who reside here. She applied her keen intellect and capabilities in the areas of conservation, historical archives and preservation, the arts and humanities, education, and leadership development. The Columbia Music Festival presented her with their Lyre Award for cultural achievement in 1983. Her volunteer spirit led her into service and leadership roles as president of the Junior League of Columbia (1960), the Columbia Medical Auxiliary, and the South Caroliniana Society at U.S.C. She was the cofounder of the Columbia Reading Foundation for dyslexic children which has since become Sandhills School. She and Edmund co-chaired the Richland County Committee of the American Revolution Bicentennial Era, and were involved with the establishment of the Congaree River Bicentennial Park. They received national recognition in 1977 for their work planning and facilitating programs and events commemorating our country’s history. Mary looked forward to Tuesdays because Tuesday was bridge day. She relished a good game of bridge not only for the game itself, but also for the comradery of the good friends who graced her card table. Mary recognized that consistent time in the outdoors provided respite and replenishment for the soul. Mary and Edmund were hikers and to them a good hike was even better if their children and grandchildren were along. Together, they trekked the high places; the Himalayas, the Alps, the Andes, and the Rockies. They walked innumerable trails in South Carolina and Virginia. Mary’s family will remember many woodland walks at “Fairfield”, identifying unique and special plants and places. Mary and Edmund were early and active stewards of our natural world. They shared a vision for the preservation of wildlife habitat and open green spaces. They acted on that vision by placing conservation easements on family land, and advocating for the preservation of the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States which eventually became Congaree National Park. Mary served on the Palmetto Conservation Foundation Board for many years. The South Carolina Wildlife Foundation honored Edmund and Mary with the 1996 Outdoor Ethic Award and the 1993 Conservationist of the Year Award. A lifelong and devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Mary founded the Earth Ministry for the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. She was a deliberate and faithful steward of caring for creation, and urged others to become aware of this great God-given responsibility impacting all people. Mary’s children remember their mother skipping down the stairs in the mornings anticipating the day. She was ready to serve where there was need, to welcome whoever came to her door whether expected or unexpected, to delight in the presence of her family, to fellowship with friends, and to love and support those in the midst of trouble, sickness, or grief. She and Edmund were available for whatever life brought their way. Meeting people where they are, Mary had a lovely way of respectfully listening to and considering new ideas and perspectives. Though in these latter years Mary was no longer able to skip down the stairs, her attitude never changed. Her hospitality never diminished. In her waning days, when someone came into her presence, her face would light up and she would say “Oh, THERE you are!” as if you were the most precious person in the world. The hub of the Taylor family, “Papa and Nana” demonstrated in word and deed the blessings of a life lived with gratitude, flexibility, and a focus on others. They imparted their reverence for God and their love for people and nature to their four children, ten grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. She dearly loved her family. Survivors include her children, Edmund Rhett Taylor, Jr (Gail) of Sapphire, NC; Mary Beverley Taylor Haque (Imtiaz) of Clemson, SC; Georgia Taylor Brennecke (Frank); and George Coffin Taylor (Barbara) of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Noman Haque (Durkhy) of Lilburn, GA; Howard Timberlake (Joanne) of Greenwood, SC; Lexanne Boyd (Ken) of Saluda, NC; Anna Dowdey (Matt) of Columbia, SC; Mary Jehan Haque (deceased); Omar Haque (Kerri) of Valley Cottage, NY; Taylor Brennecke (Sarah) of Columbia, SC; Mariana Sara Guida (Nick) of Spartanburg, SC; Virginia Gayden Taylor and Mary Claire Taylor of Columbia, SC; great-grandchildren, Zari Haque, Jawid Haque, Brenn Dowdey, Georgia Dowdey, Caroline Haque, Katherine Haque, Kendall Haque, Molly Brennecke, Harriette Brennecke, Mary Avery Guida, and James Guida. The service for Mrs. Taylor will be held at 11 o'clock, Monday, November 21st, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter St, Columbia, SC 29201. A private burial will precede the service in the churchyard. The family request that COVID precautions be observed to create a safe environment for all. The service will be livestreamed and accessible by visiting trinitysc.org/live. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to Trinity Cathedral, the Congaree Land Trust, or a charity of one’s choice.

Tributes

Mrs. Mary Herbert Taylor

October 10, 1923 - November 14, 2022