Wynona Taylor

TAYLOR, Wynona Smith, of Richmond, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at the age of 73. Wynona has left behind, for now, a large group of grieving family, friends and acquaintances. She is survived by her husband, Frank, to whom she was married for 54 years; two daughters, Laura Taylor Alridge and Julia Taylor Boone; beloved sons-in-law, Patrick Alridge and Timothy Boone; two treasured grandchildren, Wyatt Alridge and Taylor Boone; four loving sisters, Ann Strickland (Jim), Margaret Huss (Bob), Faye Olsen (Bill), and Rebecca Krepps (Bill); 11 nieces and nephews whose birthdays and special occasions she always remembered with cards and notes of encouragement and love; and aunts and uncles, Neta Hobbs, Shelton and Jane Hobbs, Dennis and Winnie Hobbs, Shirley and Clifford Joyner and Thelma Allen. Wynona is the daughter of the late Ruth and Douglas Smith of Smithfield, North Carolina. Wynona was a special mom to Laura and Julia, and their best friend and greatest advocate. She was a second mom to the men they married. She was a complete grandmother to Wyatt and Taylor, who, if anyone lost her too early, it was them. She was a special friend to all who knew her whether she had just met them or she had known them for years. Wynona's greatest quality was love, which she gave freely to all in need of strength and encouragement. Everyone who had a relationship with her came away a beneficiary of that relationship. Wynona's faith in God was the basis for everything she did. She lived by the belief that "it is more blessed to give than to receive." She always wanted the best for her family and friends, and did anything she could to bring that about. The family will receive friends 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 16 at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad Street. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, April 17 at Hope Church, 12445 Patterson Ave., Richmond, Va. Interment private.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.