Nan Vanderford Taylor Owens

Nan Taylor Owens, 82, of Wilson passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Parkwood Village in Wilson.

Nan was born on January 7, 1941, in Robersonville to the late William Howard Vanderford and Gladys Taylor Vanderford.  After graduating from Robersonville High School in 1959, she began her studies at Atlantic Christian College to become a schoolteacher.  She married Jimmy Lee Taylor and had two children, Karen Taylor Elliott and Lee Taylor.  Nan taught second grade at Coopers Elementary in Nash County.  Jimmy Lee passed away in 1970 leaving Nan to raise her children.  In 2003, Nan married Kirby Owens and they enjoyed lots of travels.

Nan had many interests including traveling, bridge, painting, a beautiful yard with lots of flowers, sewing, volunteering, First Christian Church and her Disciples Sunday School class, and spending time with family and friends.  Nan loved to serve others, was compassionate, selfless, and her children were her priority along with all of her family and friends. 

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.  The funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 11 a.m. at First Christian Church, 207 Tarboro Street NE, Wilson.  Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Martin Memorial Gardens, 12813 US 64, Williamston.

Nan is survived by her daughter, Karen Taylor Elliott and husband, David; son, Lee Taylor; great-granddaughter, Brianna Elliott; great-grandson, Joseph David Elliott and fiancé, Ali Smith; brothers, Wayne Vanderford and wife, Joyce, and Eddie Vanderford and wife, Joanie; sister-in-law, Nancy Latham Vanderford; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Jimmy Lee Taylor and Kirby Clifton Owens; grandson, Brian David Elliott; parents, William and Gladys Vanderford, and her brother, William Howard Vanderford, Jr.

A very special thank you to all of the caregivers and staff at Parkwood Village and Gentiva Hospice.  Nan loved her caregivers.

Flowers are welcome or please consider memorials in Nan’s memory to First Christian Church, PO Box 2702, Wilson, North Carolina 27894.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.