Margene Henry Taylor

Born September 22, 1911 in the South Texas farming community of Hope to William Oscar Henry and Mittie Williams Henry, Mrs. A. G. (Margene) Taylor passed away at the age of 96 years on March 10, 2008, at her Austin home. Margene is survived by her brother William O. "Bill" Henry of Austin; sons Jerry Taylor and wife Mary Ann of Duncanville; Dan Taylor and wife Nelda of Austin; and daughter Elizabeth Taylor of Austin. She is also survived by grandsons John Taylor of Myrtle Beach; Bryce Taylor and wife Kelli of the Dallas area; Troy Taylor and wife Mariah of Houston; and D. J. Taylor, a student at Northwestern University; granddaughter Courtney Taylor of Austin, and three great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, A. G. Taylor; sisters Lee Ham and Avis Henry; her parents; and her grandson, Michael Robert Taylor. Throughout her long and eventful life Margene was committed to all children and worked tirelessly to help them more fully develop their potential. A life-long Methodist, she taught Sunday School at Austin's First United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. She actively encouraged her children during their years in the music programs at O'Henry Junior High and Austin High Schools. Active in the band parents' organization at both schools, she served as a chaperon on trips and outings. In 1970, her contributions were recognized by Austin High Maroon band director LaFalco Robinson with the designation of "Band Mother." She and Graydon were married on October 6, 1934 in Austin. Throughout her career, Margene worked as a secretary for the Texas Brewers' Institute under the leadership of Homer Leonard and R. H. "Dick" Cory. In her early 80s, she began to volunteer as a teachers' aide at Bryker Woods Elementary. The school recognized her many hours of service in 1995 by naming an outdoor area on the school grounds "Taylor's Cove." Margene's volunteer work was recognized by KVUE TV in l995 when she was named an honoree of the "Five Who Care" program. Because of her steadfast love for children, Margene was known as "Grandma Taylor" by several generations of the city's kids and their parents. Life was full of challenges for Margene. In 1961, her husband was the first traffic fatality of the year, killed in an automobile accident on February 15 after being hit by a drunk driver. With her own children in high school, junior high, and elementary school, she devoted herself tirelessly as a single parent and role model. Strengthened by her strong faith in God and in Jesus Christ, Margene always believed that there was grace sufficient for every need. Her deep faith and hard working attitude inspired all who knew her. Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley Fish Funeral Home at 3125 N. Lamar Blvd. The memorial service will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the Weed-Corley Fish Chapel with the Rev. Kathleen Jones of First United Methodist Church officiating. A graveside service will follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Dr. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Margene's memory may do so to Hospice Austin or to First United Methodist Church in Austin.