Samantha "Sam" Taylor

1986 - 2025

Samantha 'Sam' Taylor, 39, of Elizabethtown, formerly of Bardstown, passed away peacefully late July 15,2025 due to complications from injuries sustained in a car accident on the Blue Grass Parkway four years ago.
Born on April 27, 1986, to Martin "Marty" Taylor and the late Amy Taylor, Sam lived a life full of compassion, creativity and quiet strength. A proud graduate of Bardstown High School, she went on to earn her degree with honors from Brown Mackie College as a veterinary technician combining her love of animals with her deep desire to help.
Sam devoted her career to the Nelson County Humane Society, where she cared for creatures big and small with gentle hands and a fierce heart. Her love for animals extended to every part of her life and her home was often a haven for the voiceless and the vulnerable. Whether rescuing strays or painting the beauty of the natural world, Sam's spirit was one of kindness and grace.
An artist and a lover of nature, Sam found joy in quiet moments and gave generously of herself to others. Even in her final act, she remained selfless - saving multiple lives as an organ donor, offering hope and healing to those who had long been waiting for a miracle. Her final gift was the gift of life.
She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Amy Taylor.
Sam is survived by her proud father, Marty Taylor and her devoted stepfather, Bob Geiger. She is also survived by her loving lifetime partner, Brandon Smith, whose unwavering care and deep love over the past eight years was a testament to the rare, enduring bond they shared - one that many only dream of finding.
Sam will be remembered not only for her radiant smile and kind heart but also for her enduring legacy of love, strength, and compassion. She touched lives, human and animal alike, and leaves this world brighter for having been in it.
As a memorial to Samantha, an adoption event, sponsored by the Humane Society of Nelson County will be held at the Nelson County Animal Shelter, 2391 New Haven Road in Bardstown on Saturday, Aug. 23 from noon to 2 p.m.
To encourage adoptions, the Humane Society will pay $50 of the adoption fees on the first 10 animals adopted at this event.