Florence Lydia Wood Taylor, 98, passed away Oct. 3 of cardiac complications. She was born in Rutland, Vt. on Oct. 14, 1911 as the only daughter of Florence Martha and Elbridge H. Wood.
She graduated from Rutland High School and from the Baptist Institute for Christian Workers in Philadelphia. On June 1, 1934 she married the Rev. Raymond G. Taylor of Sharon, Penn. and together they served American Baptist churches in Pittsburgh, Beaver Falls, Penn., Providence, R.I., Ansonia, Conn., Adrian, Mich., and Pueblo, Col. While living in Michigan, she graduated from Adrian College and began a career in teaching. Her husband died in 1969 while serving as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Pueblo, Col.
In 1970 she moved to Winter Haven, Fla. and continued teaching until retiring. In 2009 she moved to Schooner Cove in Damariscotta. At the time of her death she was in the care of her son and daughter-in-law in Bristol.
Her entire life was spent in the service of others and she was extraordinarily generous to those in need. Florence was recognized on the front page of the Winter Haven News Chief for her giving of time, money and materials to the migrant children of central Florida. Likewise, numerous organizations including the American Red Cross and the Parkland Baptist Church in Winter Haven, Fla. were the beneficiaries of her years of service and financial support.
Florence was predeceased by her only brother, Gerald E. Wood of Trinity.
Florence is survived by sons, the Rev. Dr. Raymond G. Taylor Jr. of Pemaquid and David Elbridge Taylor of Shelton, Wash.; grandchildren, Raymond G. Taylor III and Leslie W. McCormick, both of Maine, and Kimberly S. Taylor of Washington; as well as great-grandchildren, Raymond G. Taylor IV, Dylan M. Taylor, Christine E. McCormick and Michael J. McCormick, all of Maine. In May 2010 a fifth generation was added by the birth of her great-great-grandson, Jayden Joseph Taylor.
She was laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery, Sharon, Penn.