Catherine "Virginia" Taylor & Gerald Max Taylor

VIRGINIA TAYLOR

Catherine "Virginia" Taylor, a beloved mother and devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, was born on June 7, 1940, in Henderson, Texas, to Alpheus and Lillian (Franklin) McCarty. Virginia lived a life filled with love and dedication until her untimely passing on February 8, 2025. 

Virginia married her lifelong partner, Gerald Taylor, in June of 1959, and together they raised three wonderful sons, Steve, Alan, and Nick. She was the consummate mother, always present at school events as a dedicated room mother and an enthusiastic member of the PTA. Every year, she provided food and support for her boys’ classes, fostering an environment of warmth and community. She never missed a music or athletic event in which her boys participated. Her encouragement and support were unwavering. Virginia always knew how to calm her boys’ worries with her reassuring words, making her a constant source of strength. 

An exceptional seamstress, Virginia brought creativity into everything she did, whether it was through her intricate cake decorating or her crafty endeavors. In her younger years, she made her health a priority, enjoying an active lifestyle. One of the joyful highlights of her life was bringing her boys to church singings, where she played the piano and accordion, creating beautiful memories together. Her favorite movie was a love story, “Somewhere in Time." One of Gerald’s aunts, once told Virginia “life is precious," a meaningful quote often repeated with her family. 

Virginia was not only a cherished mother but also a doting grandmother, whose love for her grandchildren was evident in every moment they shared. She treasured every moment she spent with each of them. Throughout her life, she was well-respected in her community, making meaningful connections with all who knew her. 

Virginia's family will honor her memory with a funeral service on February 15, 2025, at 1 PM at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Larry Andrews will officiate the service. A visitation will be held the day prior, on Friday, February 14, from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. Virginia will be laid to rest at Creek Cemetery near Austonio, Texas, where her family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and the love she shared with all of them. 

She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of kindness, creativity, and unwavering support will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. 

Virginia was preceded in death by both of her parents; siblings, Perry, Joy, and Howard; and daughter-in-law, Christa Taylor. Surviving family members include beloved sons, Steve Taylor (Diane) of Baytown, Alan Taylor (Lynn) of Cypress, and Nick Taylor (Ricee) of Amarillo; adored grandchildren, Max Taylor (Stacy), Rex Taylor, Sarah Speed (Jake), Ashley, Mary Catherine Taylor, Connor Taylor, Jack Taylor, and Gray Taylor; and great-grandchildren, Dominic, Isabella, Nina, Elena, John, Gabriella, Olivia, Samson, and Sage; niece Judy Ellingson; as well as numerous extended family and special friends. 

Pallbearers: Connor Taylor, Jack Taylor, Gray Taylor, Max Taylor, Rex Taylor, Joey Stanton 

Mrs. Taylor was always supportive of the community,  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are kindly requested to the Flynn & Jewett Volunteer Fire Departments. 

Final arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.

GERALD TAYLOR

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Gerald Max Taylor, a beloved husband, father, and friend. Gerald was born on February 4, 1939, in the Creek Community of Austonio, Texas, to Max Clinton and Mary Elizabeth (High) Taylor. He graduated from high school in 1957, and went on to earn a technical degree from Houston Community College, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career. 

In June 1959, Gerald married the love of his life, Virginia McCarty, and together they navigated life with unwavering support for one another. A dedicated machinist, Gerald spent an impressive forty years with Continental Can Company in the Houston area. He was a hardworking man and a true jack of all trades, known for his ability to fix just about anything that came his way. 

In 1996, after years of hard work, Gerald and Virginia embraced their retirement in Leon County, a move they cherished as they found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Gerald was a social butterfly, always eager to connect with new people, and his vibrant spirit lit up every room. He had a remarkable gift for remembering names and dates, making each encounter feel special. 

Family was everything to Gerald. He was a devoted husband and father to his sons—Steve, Alan, and Nick —and committed to caring for all of his family members. An adventurous outdoorsman, he found solace in hunting, fishing, and traveling with his family, always creating wonderful stories to share. 

Gerald and Virginia were also avid students of the Bible, finding joy in their church community, especially during family singings. His kindness and generous spirit touched many lives, and he will be dearly missed. 

Gerald’s family invites everyone to celebrate his life and legacy. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 P.M. at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas, allowing friends and family to come together in remembrance. His funeral service will follow on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 1 PM at the funeral home.

As we bid farewell to a truly special man, we take comfort in the shared memories of laughter, love, and companionship that Gerald has left with us all. 

Gerald was preceded in death by both of his parents; wife, Virginia Taylor; siblings, Alvin Wayne Taylor, George Robert Taylor, and G.W. Taylor; and daughter-in-law, Christa Taylor. Surviving family members include beloved sons, Steve Taylor (Diane) of Baytown, Alan Taylor (Lynn) of Cypress, and Nick Taylor (Ricee) of Amarillo; adored grandchildren, Max Taylor (Stacy), Rex Taylor, Sarah Speed (Jake), Ashley, Mary Catherine Taylor, Connor Taylor, Jack Taylor, and Gray Taylor; and great-grandchildren, Dominic, Isabella, Nina, Elena, John, Gabriella, Olivia, Samson, and Sage; as well as numerous extended family and special friends. 

Pallbearers: Connor Taylor, Jack Taylor, Gray Taylor, Max Taylor, Rex Taylor, Joey Stanton 

Mr. Taylor was an avid supporter of the community.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are kindly requested to the Flynn & Jewett Volunteer Fire Departments.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.