JoAnn Taylor

JoAnn Taylor, age 80, passed away on March 1, 2013. JoAnn was born April 26, 1932 in Cañon City, Colorado and grew up on a ranch in the communities of Coaldale and Cotopaxi along the Arkansas River. JoAnn graduated from Florence High School in 1950 and completed two years of college at Colorado A & M in Fort Collins. JoAnn married Max Taylor in 1954 and moved with him to Show Low, Arizona in 1956. In the early years, JoAnn was Max’s vet clinic receptionist, chief surgical assistant, anesthesiologist, as well as wife and mother. The family grew along with JoAnn’s responsibilities, welcoming Jacqueline in 1956, Kent in 1957 and Pamela in 1961. JoAnn later attended Northern Arizona University to earn her BA and teaching certificate in 1976. JoAnn helped start the kindergarten program for the Blue Ridge School System. She taught kindergarten and 2nd grade for 20 years and substituted for another 10 years. JoAnn moved to the valley in 2007. She lived with her daughter Pamela from 2011 until her passing on March 1, 2013. She was surrounded by her children and granddaughter during her last days, and this was a great comfort to her. JoAnn is survived by her daughters Jacqueline and Pamela, son Kent and his wife Anna, and granddaughter Chelsey Deal. Memorial service will be held on March 11, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Pinetop, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, 7221 E. Belleview St., Unit 3, Scottsdale AZ 85257 or at familypromiseaz.org.