Sandra Bethea Taylor

Sandra was born on March 13, 1945 in Monroe, Louisiana to Allynne Pinnell Bethea and John Willard Bethea. The family later moved to Alabama, where Sandra graduated from Dothan High School in 1963. She earned a business degree with a minor in English in 1967 from Samford University.

She married her high school sweetheart on August 26, 1967 and moved to New York City. Here, she worked in a physician’s office to support her family while her husband attended Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. They moved to Shreveport, Louisiana in 1972 and returned to Alabama in 1974, settling in Homewood.

Sandra was an active member of the Homewood PTO, serving as president for several terms. She was also an avid tennis player as well as a creative baker known for the elaborate gingerbread houses and intricately decorated cookies she made for family and friends each Christmas. She was a devoted grandmother who loved hosting family gatherings.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, James Lane Taylor, her children Jay Taylor (Amy), Sara Taylor (Sam Dillashaw), Josh Taylor (Liz), and seven grandchildren, Brady, Scarlett, Isabelle, Charlotte, Samantha, Taylor, and Sara Katherine. Her parents, a brother, a sister, and a granddaughter predeceased her.

Friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 5 pm to 7 pm on Monday, August 26 at Ridout’s Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209. A funeral service in celebration of Sandra’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 27 at 2 pm at Ridout’s Valley Chapel. A graveside service will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.