January 19, 2024, 97, Goldsboro —
Frances Merritt Taylor was welcomed into the home of Robert Kemp and Mae Simmons Merritt on August 23, 1926. She was welcomed into her eternal home in Heaven on Friday, January 19, 2024.
She is survived by her children, son Russ Taylor and wife, Jeanne of Greenville, and daughter Myra Taylor Markham of Dudley. She was “Franny” to her grandchildren, Lindsay Taylor Haddock and husband, Bryan of Washington; Will Taylor and wife, Laura of Oxford and great-grandchildren, Taylor Haddock, Jack Haddock, and Merritt Taylor. She is also survived by a nephew, Wade Merritt, and wife, Martha; niece, Laveita Brinson, and husband, Ben. In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Wayland and Lois Merritt.
Frances graduated from Brogden High School, Louisburg College, and East Carolina Teachers College, now ECU. She served North Carolina Public Schools as a first-grade teacher in both Forsythe and Wayne Counties. For nine years, “Miss Frances” taught kindergarten at Providence Methodist Church. She completed her career by teaching young children at Cherry Hospital.
Her love for Providence Methodist Church was steadfast and she was the oldest living member at the time of her passing. She was active in many capacities as long as her health permitted including Providence Friends United, Wesley Covenant Sunday School Class, Hope Circle, weekly Bible Study as well as various committees. She served many years as pianist and organist for Providence as well as playing for a number of civic organizations, weddings, and funerals.
Her familiar dry wit was inherited from her father and nurtured by her brother Wayland. It was apt to pop up at almost any time brought numerous chuckles and smiles to family and friends and stayed intact for her entire life. While the name “Franny” was originally intended for use by her grandchildren, she became affectionally referred to in the same manner by other family members, friends, and caregivers.
A service to celebrate Frances’ life will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Providence Church on Friday, January 26, 2024. A time of visitation will immediately follow the service in the church fellowship hall. A private inurnment for the family will be in the church columbarium.
The family would like to acknowledge the excellent care received from Rolling Ridge Assisted Living in Newton Grove, as well as Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Frances’ memory to
Providence Church
202 Providence Church Road
Goldsboro, NC 27530
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
