Dorothy Lee Taylor

Dorothy Lee Taylor, 90, of Clarkesville, passed away on Saturday, July 26, at Habersham Medical Center. Dorothy was born on May 23, 1924 in Godfrey, Illinois. She was the only daughter of Hester and Orland Day. Dorothy married Richard Taylor from Clinton, Ill, on 3/4/47. Together they had three children. Richard was with Illinois Central Railroad, and went to Texaco Oil Company when automobile travel became popular. The pipeline took the family to Oklahoma, Texas, and finally to Georgia. In Atlanta, Richard attended law school and the family settled in Tucker. Dorothy worked for Kem Chemical Corporation, where she served as a Comptroller in the Accounting Department. Dorothy managed a home, three children, and worked tirelessly at her profession. She was energetic, intelligent, and committed to those she loved. She and Richard had been married over 47 years at the time of his death. Together with their best friends, Norma and Vernon Cowart, they enjoyed weekly dances at the Fort McPherson Army Base.

Dorothy and Richard were proud of their children. Stephen, the oldest, became an attaché' with the Diplomatic Corp of the United States Government, and served at embassies in Germany, the Bahamas, Mexico, and Hungary. Julie, was a primary grade school teacher in Gwinnett County where she was known for her skill in teaching reading to struggling learners, and Mary Beth, the youngest child, was a school psychologist and system Special Education Administrator for Habersham County Schools. Dorothy took great pleasure in caring for family and friends. She loved animals and frequently inherited pets from her children. She produced beautiful needlework and sherensnite which is the German art of creating scenes by paper cutting. She and Richard enjoyed showing their work at arts and crafts shows in both Georgia and Illinois.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Richard, and by her two oldest children, Stephen Taylor and Julie Taylor. She was also predeceased by her two brothers, and by her beloved sister-in-law, Harriett (Sherman) Buck. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Beth and Richard Ellis, of Cleveland, GA. She has two grandchildren, Nikia (Myles Presnell) Ellis, and Leah (Bobby) Owens. She has two great-grandchildren. Dorothy is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Kathi Taylor of Rayle, Ga.; her niece, Martha (Bob) Bray; nephews, Greg and Mark Guth; and close family friend, Cathy Adams.

Dorothy moved to Clarkesville ten years ago to be closer to her only surviving child. She lived in an active adult community and enjoyed involvement in neighborhood activities such as canasta and pot luck dinners. She enjoyed Wednesday eveningdinners at Clarkesville United Methodist Church. Dorothy's family and friends recently celebrated her 90th birthday. She was active and independent until shortly before her death. She rolled around Clarkesville in her Buick, but had decided it might be a bad idea for others to ride with her.

Dorothy's remains will be buried next to Richard and her two deceased children late in September in Clinton, Ill. At the same time the town of Clinton will be enjoying the harvest celebration known as the Apple and Pork Festival. This Midwestern town fair was a favorite of Dorothy's, and she exhibited her artwork at the fair several years.

Friends and family will be notified of a memorial to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital which was Dorothy's favorite charity.

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville. 706-754-6256