Maria Taylor

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maria Taylor, who departed this life on December 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on July 9, 1944, in Jacksonville, she lived a life filled with love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

A proud graduate of Landon High School’s Class of 1962, Maria pursued higher education with distinction, earning a master’s degree in English Literature, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.

As the former wife of a military serviceman, Maria embraced the challenges of raising four sons while navigating a life that included living abroad in Germany and various locations across the United States before eventually returning to Jacksonville.

In addition to her roles as a mother and homemaker, Maria was an enterprising woman, selling real estate, BeautiControl cosmetics, and proudly continuing her mother’s 40-year Avon business legacy. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her family were hallmarks of her life.

Maria is survived by a loving family, including her four sons: Richard P. Taylor Jr., and his daughter Alexis Vaca (Sebastian) and their children, Valentina and Archer; Ivey C. Taylor II and his daughter Alexandria Taylor; Willis B. Taylor II (Lisa) and their daughters, Jasmine, Karmen, and Savannah; and David Taylor (Nicole) and their sons, Andrew and Nolan; brother, Harry Edenfield (Karen) and their daughter Sally Rose.

She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews: Sanna Adams (Dave), Tim Lindburgh (Kelly), Richard Lindburgh (Mary), Grant Lindburgh, Kurt Lindburgh (Melinda), Thomas Taylor Jr., Jennifer Sterling (John), Jolene Anderson (Kurt), Darlene Smith, Kristine Skinner, David Skinner Jr. (Rebecca).

Maria was preceded in death by her sister, Donna Gill; niece, Susan Lindburgh; and her granddaughter, Valentina Taylor.

A gathering of friends and family will be held April 12, 2025 from 1 to 4 pm at The Refinery to celebrate her extraordinary life and the joy she brought to so many.

She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Scholarship Fund of PFLAG Jacksonville https://www.pflagjax.org/donating