Josephine “Josie” Mendoza Taylor

Josephine "Josie" Mendoza Taylor, born April 22, 1959, in Hamlin, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on July 9, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. She was 66 years old.

Josie was the daughter of Adelina Avila Ybarra and Juan Rios Ybarra. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Luciano, Jesse, Rosemary, and Tony Ybarra.

Josie is survived by her devoted husband, Kevin Taylor, and her sister, Anna Prusaitis Ybarra. She leaves behind her beloved children Roman Mendoza, Alicia Ray and husband Eddie, Vincent Mendoza, Fernando Mendoza, Kamron Taylor and wife Katy, Sara Taylor and husband Luke Metzel.

She is also survived by her valued stepchildren, Wesley Taylor and wife Dacia, and Melanie Hansen and husband Zack.

Josie was a loving mother to her eight children, and a proud, devoted grandmother to her thirteen grandchildren, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy. She also held a special place in her heart for her many nieces and nephews, as well as the treasured friends who enriched her life with their love.

Her smile was infectious, and her kindness extended to everyone she met. A natural caregiver, Josie's compassion touched generations of family and friends. She was a great listener with wise and comforting words-someone people instinctively turned to in moments of need. She maintained lifelong friendships and built lasting connections, grounded in empathy and loyalty.

A woman of deep faith and constant prayer, Josie was a longtime member of Chapel in the Woods. Her heart's desire was that others would know the love of Jesus as deeply as she did. She was a gifted cook who found joy in nourishing those she loved, and she especially enjoyed the simple pleasures of country living-hosting family gatherings, gardening, and raising chickens.

For over two decades, Josie and Kevin worked tirelessly to bring their shared dream to life: building a home in the quiet countryside where they could be surrounded by nature, family, and faith. In 2002, they purchased land and, together, constructed their home block by block during evenings and weekends. They finally moved into their humble home in 2024, a testament to their perseverance, love, and partnership.

Josie's legacy is one of warmth, grace, and resilience. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of life will be held on August 3, 2025 at 2pm at His House Ministries, 616 Airport Road, Winnsboro, TX 75494.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made by mail in memory of Josie Taylor to Texas Oncology Tyler, 501 South Saunders Avenue, Tyler TX 75702.