Mary Alice Saunders Taylor passed away peacefully with her children by her side on November 3, 2026, at the age of 97 after a lengthy illness. A resident at The Chesapeake retirement community since 2010 and of Newport News since 1967, she was born in Moneta, VA in 1929.
She was a longtime member of North Riverside Baptist Church, where she served as the coordinator for the Wednesday night church suppers for several years.
Growing up on a rural farm during the Depression, she learned all about hard work as a child. She played on the girls’ basketball team in high school, but only after intervention by her older sisters and coach, as her mother did not approve of the shorts they had to wear. Following high school, she became an operator for C&P Telephone in Lynchburg. She met Richard after being transferred to the Eastern Shore and married in 1951. They resided on the Shore until Richard was transferred to Newport News in 1967. After her children were born, she became a stay-at-home mom for many years. She then went to work for Leggett Dept. Store in Newport News, rising to head of the Men’s Dept. before retiring in 1990. She and Richard were active in square dancing for several years. They were both active in later years in the Mended Hearts support group at Riverside Hospital, where she helped make countless red heart pillows that were given to open-heart patients. She also served as a desk volunteer outside the ICU/CCU unit.
She loved playing Dominoes and Bingo at The Chesapeake. She will forever be remembered for her delicious pound cakes.
She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Richard W. Taylor, her parents, and seven older siblings. She is survived by her children, Rick Taylor (Denise) and Anita Chastain (Ken); grandsons, Nicholas Taylor (Brittany) and Cameron Taylor (Samantha); and great-grandchildren, Olivia Taylor, Kennedy Taylor, and Asher Taylor. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Judy M. Saunders.
There will be a Celebration of Life service and social time from 10:00 a.m. until noon (service at 10:45 a.m.) on November 13, 2026, at The Chesapeake, 955 Harpersville Rd, Newport News, VA. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Chesapeake for the loving care they provided to her for many years, and more recently to Personal Touch for their hospice care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VBH Foundation, 3961 Stillman Pkwy, Glen Allen, VA 23060 or the Alzheimer’s Association.
2 Comments
The Lord really blessed me when I went to NRBC and met Richard and Mary Taylor and other fine Christian friends. Mary was always checking on me and my Mother. One of the best memories I have was playing piano at The Chesapeake for years when Mary resided there. My love and prayers go to the entire family. Richard and Mary Taylor exemplified God’s love to all. “What a Day It Will Be” when I see Mary and Richard again! “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”.
Pat. I have a sweet picture of you and Mom taken when you played at the Chesapeake. I dont know how to attach it here however.