Hazel Irene Taylor, 94, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother entered into eternal rest on Thursday, February 23, 2023. She was born on March 11, 1928 in Bedford, Virginia to the late Fitzhugh Wooldridge and Bertha Hart Wooldridge. She grew up on a farm and learned the value of hard work.
She was a strong and beautiful woman who lived a life full of love, leaving a wonderful legacy for her family and friends. Irene was a talented seamstress by trade, an avid gardener, and superb cook. She always had a home cooked meal, a big hug, a Bible verse, or a home remedy for any problem. Irene’s love for God inspired her faithful service to her church, leaving us an example to follow. Irene was a lifelong member of Redeeming Grace Church, formerly Old Forest Road Baptist Church. For over 70 years, she served the Lord in the children’s ministries, she was a GA and YWA leader, and also was a Sunday School teacher.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, William “Bill” Anderson Taylor; son, Lawrence Keith Taylor; two brothers, A.J. Wooldridge and Herbert Wooldridge; three sisters, Josephine Wooldridge, Ruth Baber, and Mary Elizabeth Wooldridge.
She is survived by three children: Benjamin W. Taylor (Wanda), Rachel Taylor Dossett (Mike), and Lisa Taylor Hall (Charles); eight grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Debbie Scott.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be after the service at Fort Hill Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Children’s Ministry at Redeeming Grace Baptist Church, 3630 Old Forest Road, Lynchburg, VA.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.