Clarice D' Adrian Taylor

Clarice D'Adrian, known lovingly as Dee, passed away at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion to her family and friends. Born on October 13, 1930, in Jay, Oklahoma, she was the proud daughter of Mike and Minnie Hays. Dee was the second of six girls in the Hays family, spending her early years in Oklahoma with her sisters LaWanda, Treva, and June before moving to Washington State in the 1930's. It was here that the family grew to include twins Joy and Jean, and they remained lifelong companions and best friends.
At the age of 17, Dee married the love of her life, James Taylor, on January 1, 1948. Their love was deep and enduring, lasting for 68 years until Jim's passing in 2016. Together, they raised four children: Michael, Jim, Jan, and Gary. Their life in the Navy took them across the United States and beyond, including California, Hawaii (twice), and Maryland, before settling on Whidbey Island, Washington, in 1971 where they would spend the remainder of their years.
Throughout her life, Dee was a devoted wife and mother. She worked for Lockheed Martin in California, cared for her children and later worked at the Navy Exchange in both Hawaii and Maryland. Upon settling on Whidbey Island, she was promoted to Supervisor at the Navy Exchange, where she worked in that role until her retirement. Dee was a treasured employee at the NEX and a leader her counterparts looked up to. Dee's professional journey was marked by lifelong friendships and a career she was proud of.
Dee was a passionate traveler and cherished the many memories created with her family, often taking road trips across the country in their motorhome. She loved hosting family holidays, gardening, and relishing the joys of watching her family grow, especially her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately called her "GG."
Her home was always open to others, offering unwavering support, guidance, love, and plenty of laughter. Dee's kindness, wisdom, and joyful spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She was a true matriarch, beloved by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of crossing her path.
Dee is survived by her children, Michael (Debbie) Taylor, Jim (Mimi) Taylor, Jan (Joe) Johnson, and Gary Taylor; her grandchildren, Peggy (Joe) Lupo, Angie (Al) Nall, Susie (Jaime) Johnson, Jaime (Yo) Fujikawa, Jennifer (Mike) Whitney, Jason (Melissa) Taylor, Tanya (Heather) Taylor; great-grandchildren, Airika, Airiana, JB, Ashlyn, Taylor, Addie, Maddie, Cameron, Ayla, Conner, Kyler, Michael, Morgan, and Logan; and a great-great-grandchild, Georgia Dee. She is also survived by her sisters, LaWanda Burgoyne, Joyce Heffron, and Jean Fritz, along with numerous extended family members and friends.
Dee was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim, her parents, Mike and Minnie Hays, her sisters June Austin and Treva Rogers, and her best friend, Beth Butler.
A life well-lived, Dee's legacy will endure in the hearts of all those who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered with love.
Memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, February 13th at the Oak Harbor Southern Baptist Church with son Jim officiating at 50 SW 6th Ave, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Reception immediately following service.
Burial at Evergreen Cemetery, 4504 Broadway, Everett, WA 98203 at Noon on Friday, February 14th.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Whidbey Health Hospice Care at 101 N Main Street, Coupeville WA 98239 or by calling 360-914-5634.