Martha Jane Ford Taylor

1941 - 2025

Martha Jane Ford Taylor of Largo, FL (formerly of Blacksburg, VA) passed away August 18, 2025, following a valiant battle with cancer. She was born in Taylorsville, NC, on April 5, 1941, the youngest daughter of the late Rev. Wilborn McCree Ford, D.D., and Lyllian Virginia Rosen Ford.

She is predeceased by her sister, Sara Lee Ford Brown, her husband, William "Bill" R. Taylor, and her son, Andrew Brian Taylor. She was an avid reader, having held a Bachelor of Arts degree in Library Science and a Master's degree in Children's Literature from Peabody-Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. During her life, she worked as a librarian in Mobile, AL, Tampa, FL, and lastly as a Media Specialist in the Pinellas County, FL School System. She excelled in storytelling and always enjoyed attending storytelling conferences. She was a devoted Christian, often teaching Bible study groups, singing in church choirs, and being an Elder in the Northside Presbyterian Church in Blacksburg, VA.

She is survived by two sisters, Anne Robinson of Blacksburg, VA, and Mary Lyllian Herron of Gulf Breeze, FL, one son, Charles Franklin Taylor of Largo, FL, and one grandson, Eli Patrick Taylor of Chester, VA.

Martha was a humble friend to all, especially to the residents at her last home, Heather Haven III, in Largo, FL.

A memorial service will be held at the Northside Presbyterian Church in Blacksburg, VA, on October 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM with the Rev. Linda Dickerson officiating. A later burial will be at the Zion Presbyterian Church cemetery in Columbia, TN.

Special appreciation is given for the love and care of her nurse, Laura, a home health care and assisted living nurse.

Memorial gifts can be given in her memory to the Heather Haven III Assisted Living Facility at 10476 131st St. N, Largo, FL. 33774, Northside Presbyterian Church, Blacksburg, VA, or the charity of your choice.