Joyce Taylor
As the world awakens to the beauty of spring, we mourn the passing of Joyce Elizabeth Baker Taylor. Joyce Taylor, age 81, of Union City passed away at her home on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on May 8 in Idlewild, the beloved daughter of James and Evelyn Barger Baker.
Joyce was a devoted wife to Cloney Atkins Taylor, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage. She was a loving and nurturing mother to Cindy Joyce Taylor Boyd and Christopher Cloney Taylor (deceased), who will forever cherish her wisdom, strength and unconditional love. She was a devoted Christian and active member of First Baptist Church in Union City where she was a Sunday School Teacher.
Throughout her life, Joyce was known for her beautiful flower gardens, love of travel, appreciation of antiques, and an abiding devotion to her family. She was a former “Pink Lady” at the hospital and for many years participated in the Crystal FCE Club.
Joyce graduated from Bradford High School; she received a Master’s Degree from UT Martin. She served as an Alderman and PTA President for Woodland Mills. She retired from the state of Tennessee where she had served as a counselor, teacher, personnel manager and regional staff for the Department of Corrections. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
In addition to her husband and daughter, she is survived by her son-in-law, Bradley Kent Boyd; four grandchildren, Candace Brittany Taylor (Chris Taylor), Chelsea Elizabeth Boyd (Cindy Taylor Boyd), Benjamin Luke Taylor (Chris Taylor) and Carley Kate Taylor (Chris Taylor); and one great-granddaughter, Lauren Manus (Brittany Taylor). She is survived by three nieces, Jennifer Baker Cunningham (Jimmy Baker), Gina Taylor Thomas (Gene Taylor) and Tina Taylor Eddlemon (Gene Taylor). She was preceded in death by her son, Christoper Cloney Taylor; her parents, James and Evelyn Baker; and her in-laws, Thomas and Dorothy Taylor.
A funeral service to celebrate her life was held on Saturday, March 29, at Edmaiston-Mosley Funeral Home in Union City with burial following at 2 p.m. at the Pounds Idlewild Cemetery in Bradford. Visitation was from 10 a.m.-noon, with the funeral at noon. Brother Ben Lownsdale officiated the funeral. Pallbearers were Bradley Boyd, Benjamin Taylor, M. Neipert, Gary Houston, Brian Hale and Bobby Morton.
Joyce Taylor will be deeply missed but never forgotten; her love and strength will remain in our hearts forever.
The Messenger/3.31.25