Obituary for Marie Taylor | June 25, 2024

Marie Taylor, affectionately known as “Ree,” was born on May 8, 1943 in Florence, SC to Lelia M. Smith and Willie Singleton. She was raised by Granison and Ida Cooper and was also cared for and nurtured by her father, Deacon Frank Smith, Jr. On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Marie entered into eternal rest at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC.

Marie received her education at the Florence District One Schools and graduated from Wilson High School in 1962. She began her career in the culinary arts with the Marriott Corporation in Washington, DC. Upon returning to her hometown, she worked at Horne’s Restaurant for twelve years and then at McClenaghan Place until her retirement. Marie’s greatest joy in her career was learning the skills of catering for weddings, parties and various events. She was famous for her delicious cornbread stuffing!

Marie married Robert W. Taylor in 1966. This union produced a daughter, whom she adored and loved with all her heart.

Marie was a member of the Wayside Progressive Church of Jesus under the leadership of General Mother, Pastor Dolores M. Smith. She was baptized in the name of Jesus in the early 60’s and received the gift of the Holy Spirit under the leadership of Pastor Earline Howard. Marie was a faithful and devoted servant in a variety of capacities: pastor’s assistant, youth choir director, usher, kitchen committee leader, and a member of the senior choir where she enjoyed leading songs.

Her parents and her husband had died before her.

Left to cherish treasured memories are her beloved daughter Valarie (Keith) Ewing of Florence, SC; five sisters Sarah E. Wilson, Alvenia Singleton, Anna S. Cusaac, Alfaye Singleton and Patricia Singleton; nine brothers King (Pastor Dolores) Smith, Quincy (Hazel) Singleton, Bishop Frank (Margaret) Smith, Sam Singleton, Woodrow Smith, James (Rosa) Smith, Clifton (Janice) Smith, Allen (Iris) Smith and Gregory Smith; her special cousins ​​Alicesteen Belle, Mary L. Scott, Pastor Gloria Cooper, Odell Williams and Mildred Rollins; her special friends Tracy Lynch and Joretha Wilson; her godchildren Jocoria Waddell, Allison Johnson, Twanequa Peoples, Melanie McMillan, Trina McMillan and Jayonna Bacote; two special adopted grandchildren Aden and Jurneè Beckett; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Marie Taylor, affectionately known as “Ree,” was born on May 8, 1943 in Florence, SC to Lelia M. Smith and Willie Singleton. She was raised by Granison and Ida Cooper and was also cared for and nurtured by her father, Deacon Frank Smith, Jr. On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Marie entered into eternal rest at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC.

Marie received her education at the Florence District One Schools and graduated from Wilson High School in 1962. She began her career in the culinary arts with the Marriott Corporation in Washington, DC. Upon returning to her hometown, she worked at Horne’s Restaurant for twelve years and then at McClenaghan Place until her retirement. Marie’s greatest joy in her career was learning the skills of catering for weddings, parties and various events. She was famous for her delicious cornbread stuffing!

Marie married Robert W. Taylor in 1966. This union produced a daughter, whom she adored and loved with all her heart.

Marie was a member of the Wayside Progressive Church of Jesus under the leadership of General Mother, Pastor Dolores M. Smith. She was baptized in the name of Jesus in the early 60’s and received the gift of the Holy Spirit under the leadership of Pastor Earline Howard. Marie was a faithful and devoted servant in a variety of capacities: pastor’s assistant, youth choir director, usher, kitchen committee leader, and a member of the senior choir where she enjoyed leading songs.

Her parents and her husband had died before her.

Left to cherish treasured memories are her beloved daughter Valarie (Keith) Ewing of Florence, SC; five sisters Sarah E. Wilson, Alvenia Singleton, Anna S. Cusaac, Alfaye Singleton and Patricia Singleton; nine brothers King (Pastor Dolores) Smith, Quincy (Hazel) Singleton, Bishop Frank (Margaret) Smith, Sam Singleton, Woodrow Smith, James (Rosa) Smith, Clifton (Janice) Smith, Allen (Iris) Smith and Gregory Smith; her special cousins ​​Alicesteen Belle, Mary L. Scott, Pastor Gloria Cooper, Odell Williams and Mildred Rollins; her special friends Tracy Lynch and Joretha Wilson; her godchildren Jocoria Waddell, Allison Johnson, Twanequa Peoples, Melanie McMillan, Trina McMillan and Jayonna Bacote; two special adopted grandchildren Aden and Jurneè Beckett; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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