Lillian Iva Carol Keathley Taylor

Lillian Iva Carol Keathley Taylor passed into Glory on September 25, 2025, at Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville, TN. Born December 19, 1932, in Louisville, TN, Lillian lived a life full of love, laughter, and family. She was a 1949-50 graduate of Young High School in Knoxville, TN.
She was the daughter of the late Lillian Bowen Keathley (1932) and Virgil Lee Keathley, Sr. (1947). In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her former husband Robert Pardue; her beloved nephews Bobby Neal and Greg Keathley; her sister Jeanette Neal and brother-in-law Joseph "Peanut" Neal; her brother Virgil Keathley Jr. and sister-in-law Dorothy Keathley; her brother Henry Keathley and niece Phyllis Webb; her grandmother who raised her Florence "Ma Lee" Underwood; and her very best lifelong friend Leona Ogle (CB). At 92, Lillian was the longest living member of her family. What a joyous reunion and celebration in Heaven meeting her mother for the first time.
Survivors include her husband David Leon Coppock, Jr.; her twin children son David Taylor of Wilson, NC, and daughter Celeste Taylor of Johnson City, TN; her pride and joy, her grandson Austin Taylor and great granddaughter Charlotte Taylor of Johnson City, TN; her niece and special angel Deneas Cochran (Bill) of Knoxville; several other nieces and nephews; her former husband Wallace Taylor (Molly) of Jonesborough, TN; and special friends Angel Repsher, Linda Ogle Carson, and Evelyn Street.
Lillian was previously employed by Gordon's Furniture, Johnson City Eye Clinic, Erie Insurance Company all in Johnson City; by Prudential Insurance Company in Johnson City and Knoxville; and by Regal Entertainment and Knox County Sheriff's Department in Knoxville.
Lillian lived a life of faith, never waivering in her trust of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a member of several churches throughout her life including Cherokee United Methodist Church and Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City; St. Luke's United Methodist Church and Christ United Methodist Church in Knoxville. Special thanks to the Women's Group and Rev. Mark Kilbourne at CUMC for their support and friendship. She was a former member of Sweet Adeline's and United Methodist Women. Lillian was a true animal lover and had dozens of pets throughout her life, always ready to rescue a dog or cat in need. She had a deep love for cooking and baking and has passed many of those recipes to friends and family. She loved to garden and trips to the greenhouse and planting flowers every spring was a joyous occasion. Although small in stature she was mighty and fierce in presence, and will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers family is requesting donations to Young – Williams Animal Center. Special thanks to the staff and volunteers of Sacred Ground Hospice House and Amedisys Hospice for their care and love during Lillian's final days.
A graveside service at Louisville Memorial Cemetery will be planned for some time in October. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory to provide arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lillian Iva Carol, please visit our floral store.