Mary Jane Tayloe

AULANDER, NC - Mary Jane Tayloe, born on January 4, 1952, in Hertford County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, at ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie, NC, at the age of 72.
Throughout her life, Mary Jane exemplified dedication and love for her family, friends, and community. As a part owner and operator of Aulander Furniture Company for many years, she worked tirelessly alongside her friend, Elaine Coburn, helping to establish and maintain a cornerstone of the local business community. Her professional pursuits were only matched by her passion for politics and public service. She served as the Executive Director of the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Virginia, where her leadership and commitment to excellence were widely recognized. Furthermore, her role as a past Town Commissioner for the town of Aulander reflected her deep commitment to community and civic engagement. Mary Jane's legacy continues through her family and the many lives she touched with her kindness, grace, and unwavering dedication. She will be remembered fondly and missed deeply by all who had the privilege to know her.
Family was always at the heart of Mary Jane's life. Her kind spirit and generous heart will be dearly missed by those who survive her, including her nephew Scott Kirkland and his wife Anne Shaw-Kirkland of Raleigh, NC, along with their daughter, Laine Elizabeth Kirkland; her nephew Stephen Kirkland and his wife Sarah Jane of Norfolk, VA, and their daughter, Sophia Elaine Kirkland; her nephew William Tayloe, II and his wife Kari of Pawleys Island, SC, and their children, William Arthur Tayloe, III and Woodrow Alexander Tayloe; her niece Courtney Tayloe Burgess and her husband Evan of Myrtle Beach, SC, and their children, Tayloe Windsor Burgess, Frances Kennedy Burgess (Francie), and Talbot Worthington Burgess. Additionally, she is survived by her sister-in-law Lyn-Sue Kennedy Tayloe of Myrtle Beach, SC.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Marie Worthington Tayloe and Arthur Woodrow Tayloe, Sr., as well as her brother, Arthur Woodrow "Artie" Tayloe, Jr., and her sister, Elaine Tayloe Kirkland.
Mary Jane's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to two special friends who provided unwavering love, care, and support throughout her life: Theresa Jacobs and Dorthy Sessoms. Your kindness and compassion meant the world to Mary Jane and her family."
In keeping with Mary Jane's wishes, the family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ECU Health Home Health & Hospice, 521 W E Myers St, Ahoskie, NC 27910, or online by visiting tmcfunding.com/ and searching for Mary Jane's fund by entering "Mary Jane Tayloe."
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements for the Tayloe Family. Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.garrettsykesfs.com.