Mary Jane Gardner Taylor, 85, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Monday, December 26, 2011, in New Albany, Ind. Mrs. Taylor was born on October 27, 1926, in Roanoke, Va., to the late William Isaac Gardner and Ida Mae Chapman of Woodlawn, Va.

She graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1944 and attended Roanoke Business College in Roanoke Va. She was a resident of Belfry, Ky., for 55 years. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Elizabeth Chapter #37, OES, Williamson, W.Va. She loved her crossword puzzles and couponing. She always had a smile and was loved by all that met her over the years. She will be greatly missed, but will live on in our hearts, memories and our children.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Keith B. Taylor, in 1984; son, Michael Keith; three sisters; and two brothers. [one brother still living at the time of death]

Surviving family includes a daughter, Victoria True, of Palmyra, Ind.; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael Wayne and Ruth Taylor, of Raleigh, N.C., Kenneth Lee and Denise Taylor, of Portsmouth, Va., and William Martin and Irene Taylor, of San Diego, Calif.; grandchildren, Brian and Jason True, Angela Nicole True [Adam] Puckett and Keith Edward and Lourdes Jane Taylor; great grandchildren, Alexis, Ashton and Athena Puckett as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. [She is also survived by one brother James Gardner & 3 sister-in-laws]

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2011, at the Lotz Funeral Home Chapel in Roanoke. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 29, 2011, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
www.lotzfuneralhomeroanoke.com


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[Added Jan 1 2014]
Letter From Your Angel
I'd like to say... but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.

I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.

God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years, because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.

But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.

I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb, but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too... that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain, then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low, just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free, remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.