Frances Gifford Taylor

Frances Gifford Taylor VIRGINIA BEACH - Frances Gifford Taylor, 96, died Feb. 21, 2009, in Westminster-Canterbury, Virginia Beach. Frances was the daughter of the late Chester B. and Ione Carney Gifford. She grew up in Norfolk, attended Stuart Hall in Staunton, made her debut in 1932 and married A. Booke Taylor Jr. (Virginia Military Institute '33) on April 25, 1936. She spent most of her adult life in Norfolk, Princess Anne County and then Virginia Beach. She was the proud mother of four sons and devoted her life to raising them primarily at Great Neck Point on the Lynnhaven River. She was an active member of Eastern Shore Chapel and later Galilee Episcopal Church where she spent many hours volunteering in the gift shop and with her sewing circle. She was a long-term member of the Princess Anne County Garden Club and past chairman of the Norfolk Academy field day. Frances is survived by her four sons and their families, Ashby B. Taylor III and wife Sandra of Belle Haven, Va., Marshall C. Taylor and wife Kathleen of Washington, N.C., Tazewell G. Taylor and wife Katherine of Norfolk and John S. Taylor and wife Mary of Lockport, N.Y. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Brooke, Winthrop, Lucy, Carney, Anne, Selden, Gifford, Stuart, Ethan, John, Allison and Marshall; and 15 great-grandchildren. Frances was predeceased by her husband and her brother, Chester B. Gifford. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Westminster-Canterbury where Frances resided for the last 16 years of her life. They express sincere appreciation to the health care unit "angels" who with patience and compassion took care of Frances over the past several years. A special note of gratitude is extended to the best nurse a family could ever ask for, Elizabeth Davila. A memorial service celebrating Frances' life will be held Friday at 11:30 a.m. in Westminster-Canterbury Chapel in Virginia Beach. An interment service for the family will take place beforehand in Cedar Grave Cemetery. H.D. Oliver Funeral Home is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Westminster Canterbury Foundation, 3100 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.