Mrs. Susan Slye Taylor

Susan “Sue” Slye Taylor, 95, of Columbia, died on Friday, April 25, 2025. Born in Springfield, MA, on April 5, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Albert Brewer and Doris Mansfield Slye. Sue Taylor grew up in Dalton, Massachusetts and attended Smith College in Northhampton, Massachusetts. Upon graduation in 1952, she entered Officers Candidate School in the US Navy. She was stationed in Charleston, SC, where she decoded encrypted messages. She met Lieutenant Commander John “Jack” Rose Taylor Jr. from New Bern, NC, and they married and moved to Annapolis, Maryland. Upon Jack’s retirement from the Navy, they settled in New Bern, NC on the Trent River and raised their family. Sue was very active at Christ Episcopal Church, serving on the altar guild and with Bible School. She was also a lifetime member of The International Order of Saint Luke The Physician, The National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century, and Bible Study Fellowship. As an English Literature major, Sue loved to read. She preferred non-fiction, especially biographies, and probably read every biography she could find at the Richland County Public Library. Following the death of her husband in 1992, Sue was diagnosed with a second breast cancer- the first one occurred in 1981. She declined treatment and moved to Columbia, SC to be closer to her family. She became actively involved in the macrobiotic community, which met and was supported by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Sue studied the macrobiotic Asian diet and the lifestyle of natural healing. With the support of members of the organization and her church, she began a lifelong practice of the macrobiotic way of life, and she was healed of her disease. Sue led an active life for 30 more years, visiting and enjoying her family. She was so proud of her four grandchildren and kept up with their families and careers until her death. Thoughtful, kind, generous and gracious, Sue loved preparing birthday cards and wrapping gifts for them. She lived with family the last five years of her life and enjoyed celebrating her 95th birthday on April 5th. What a blessing to have experienced four generations of family for so many years! Sue’s mind was sharp right up until her passing. During a recent doctor’s visit she told her doctor, “I have lived a long, happy, and wonderful life surrounded by loving family and friends. I am ready to go. Just let me go home!” Mom passed away peacefully at home, just as she wanted. We all loved her so much. Survivors include her daughters, Doris Ann Taylor and Alice “Allie” Taylor Earleywine; son-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Rick Earleywine; grandchildren, Ashley Horne Williams (Matthew Williams), Jessica “Jessie” Earleywine Looney (Nick Looney), Austin Elizabeth Horne, and Jamison Land Earleywine; great-grandchildren, Taylor Williams, Lahn Looney, Rocco Williams, Logan Looney, Brewer Williams, Leif Looney, and Landen Looney; brother, Robert “Buzz” Edward Slye. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack” R. Taylor, Jr. The service for Mrs. Taylor will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, May 16, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia with a reception to follow in Satterlee Hall. A private burial and military funeral honors at the Churchyard columbarium will precede the service at 12:30 pm. Friends are welcome to attend. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

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Mrs. Susan Slye Taylor

April 5, 1930 - April 25, 2025