Emily Marie Taylor Myhre

1948 - 2025

Emily Marie Taylor Myhre

December 11, 1948 - May 21, 2025

Grover Beach, California - Emily Marie Taylor Myhre, 76, of Grover Beach, California, died peacefully on the night of May 21, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Frances (Brittain) Taylor; siblings Britt, Meriwether, and Nancy; and nephew Hayes. She is survived by two brothers, Ward and Jim, in-laws Bart and Darlene, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Her life was marked by service, generosity, and compassion, reflected in her decades-long commitment to over 35 volunteer organizations. She was deeply involved in programs including Children's Resource Network, Exchange Club, Special Olympics, Cops 'N Kids, and many more. Her tireless dedication endeared her to countless people and remains a lasting testament to a life devoted to helping others.

Emily was born on December 11, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee-the closest hospital to her hometown of Como, Mississippi. She was the eldest of six children and was affectionately known as "Kandy" by her family and local community. As family lore goes, when she was born, her father "Straw", told his wife Frances, "You can name her whatever you want, but I'll always call her Kandy because she's so sweet." The nickname stuck throughout her childhood.

At age 19, Kandy left her Mississippi roots to begin a new chapter in California, where she chose to be known by her given name, Emily.

Emily built a respected and successful 35-year career in banking, working for RaboBank and its predecessor institutions. Additionally, for over 20 years, Emily and a partner developed a wood cutting business supplying oak wood to barbecue enthusiasts of the central coast. With her tiara well behind her, the Mississippi homecoming queen ruled with a chainsaw and log splitter.

Yet, it was her tireless volunteer work that truly defined her life. Her commitment to service went far beyond financial contributions. Emily donated thousands of hours to various causes on the Central Coast and beyond. In recognition of this dedication, she was named Volunteer of the Year by the City of Pismo Beach in 2016. Still, those who knew her best would say that her greatest reward was simply being able to help others.

In her spare time, Emily and "The Ladies" could be seen at various watering holes of the Central Coast laughing up a storm while plotting their next big trips. These ladies could teach a course on how to live zestfully!

To know Emily was to witness a life lived with purpose, kindness, and boundless empathy. She will be remembered as a loving, genuine, deeply caring woman who worked tirelessly on behalf of others. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched.

There will be a celebration of life on July 12 from noon to 3 at the Pismo Beach Golf Course tent. We welcome all who knew and loved Emily-friends, family, and members of the community-to gather, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emily's Volunteer Day, a newly established organization dedicated to continuing Emily's legacy of community volunteerism, at emilysday.org.