JoAn Taylor

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend took her last breath on this Earth on July 3rd, 2026. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing she lived exactly as she wanted, with grace, conviction, and a life well lived.

JoAn Taylor was born on December 31st, 1941 in Cateechee, South Carolina to Bertha Dodson Powell and Gurly Powell.

She is survived by her children, Rick (Tami), Kathy (Reid), and Christa (Henry); her grandchildren, Cody, Sarah, Zach (Alexandra), Stephanie (Eliza), Nathan (Ann Elizabeth), Savannah, and Blair (Austin); and five great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents; and her brothers, Russell, Larry, John, and Mitch.

She spent much of her life in Columbia, South Carolina, where she started her career later in life

and worked for more than 25 years with the South Carolina State Legislature before retiring. She loved singing, enjoyed watching football and baseball, spending time in her garden, and was happiest when she was cooking for the people she loved. She had a great sense of humor and never passed up a chance to laugh.

JoAn was one of a kind. She was the definition of class, not just in the way she carried herself, but in the way she lived her life. Her faith in Jesus Christ was unwavering. She read her Bible

every single day and wasn’t shy about sharing what she believed. She always knew who she was and never pretended to be anything else. She spoke her mind with honesty, stood firmly for what she believed in, and never backed down from doing what she felt was right. She was fiercely independent, but if you were one of her people, there was no one you’d rather have in your corner. She took pride in herself, and it showed. The hardest part isn’t saying goodbye. It’s learning to live without the woman who taught us to stand tall, speak honestly, and never apologize for being exactly who you are.

So, in honor of JoAn, we ask that you stand up for what you believe in, speak your mind with honesty, take pride in yourself, and never be afraid to be exactly who you are. Love your people fiercely, have the courage to do what you know is right, and leave every room with the same confidence and grace that JoAn carried throughout her life. There is no better way to remember her.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. A catered lunch will follow at Grecian Gardens. All family and friends are invited to join us as we continue celebrating JoAn’s life. Family and friends are invited to wear shades of blue in honor of our mom’s signature color.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of JoAn Taylor, please visit our floral store.