Margaret Grace Taylor

Celebration of Margay’s Life

Margay was born in 1940 in Steubenville, OH to Frances and Wilbur Cooper. A tomboy as a child, Margay is well known for her love of and knowledge of sports, particularly the Cleveland Browns, Cavs and Guardians. “We think of her whenever we watch a game!” But Margay had many passions, not least of those being her husband Kermit, daughter Taunie and grandson Everett, and their many friends and chosen family.

Taking after her mother and grandmother, she was a gifted seamstress, practicing by making her own clothes and wedding dress. Eventually, she was entrusted to make wedding dresses for the special women in her life. With her keen eye for design and a brilliant smile, she was incredibly stylish, often the most striking woman in a room.

Taking after her father, she had a green thumb and loved plants and flowers, which flourished under her care. Both of her parents encouraged her education and independent thinking, thus fostering a deep interest in both progressive politics and psychology, inspiring her daughter’s interest in these as well.

Married for nearly 61 years to Kermit, they built a beautiful and, in some ways, irreverent life together, travelling as often as they could, singing, dancing and generally being the coolest couple anywhere they went. Taunie arrived in 1967 and they were overjoyed with her. Margay and Kermit proved what being married through thick and thin really meant and were excellent role models for what a loving and supportive relationship looked like. They were deeply in love and everyone who knew them could tell it.

Margay and Kermit’s welcoming home was a gathering place, with friends and family visiting frequently for meals and lively conversation. They often hosted festive holiday parties that friends still talk about. Always busy with several projects, decorating their home or making gifts, Margay’s creativity and keen eye for details was apparent everywhere you looked.

Her grandson, Everett, was the light of her life, moving her to craft wonderful, fun experiences for him. As he grew, she marveled at his thoughtfulness and intelligence. She was immensely proud of the man he’s become, travelling to NC with Kermit to celebrate his graduation just a few weeks ago.

While we are devastated at her loss, she left on her own terms, peacefully, with Kermit holding her hand, before the heaviness of now could dim her light.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these worthy organizations in her name: The Alliance for Appalachia at theallianceforappalachia.org, Vote.org, American Civil Liberties Union at ACLU.org or Southern Poverty Law Center at splcenter.org.

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home (330) 535-9186