OBITUARY
Mrs. Joy Renee Taylor
May 24, 1963 – September 9, 2020
Joy Renee Taylor lived up to her name and made life a joy for anyone that met her. She was born May 24, 1963 in Lincoln, Nebraska to The Honorable Warren K. Urbom and Joyce Urbom and passed away on September 9, 2020 at her home in Windermere, Florida surrounded by her children, sisters and husband. Joy lived in Lincoln, Nebraska through college. She graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan where she was a member of the Willard sorority, a staff member in both the Governor’s Office as well as the Nebraska Legislature and was also an accomplished pianist. She moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1985 and graduated from Washington University School of Law in 1988. She was a partner in the St. Louis law firm of Evans and Dixon where she worked in the civil litigation group on civil rights and constitutional cases. She was of-counsel with the Greenfelder firm where she worked on employment cases when she retired in 2008 to care for her mom and her children.
While practicing law, Joy met her husband, Tony, and they had three children: Georgi, Tommie and Joseph. Her family and her dog, Hemi, were her focus and she enjoyed being with them most of all. The family lived in Eureka, Missouri and moved to Florida in 2010. She had a remarkable intellect and cutting sense of humor. Along the way, her email signature always turned heads as she adopted various “titles” such as Chief Activity Officer, Chief Relocation Officer and Chief of Homeland Activity. She was a constant volunteer and cheerful spectator at her children’s activities. Joy was always fascinated with words and language and was a volunteer instructor with the Orlando Adult Literacy League. Other than her children, what made her most happy were home projects, scrapbooking, flowers and gardening. She had a unique creative eye for design, decoration and artistic aesthetic. Above all, she always saw the good things in the world and in people.
Joy is survived by her husband, Tony; her three children, Georgi, Tommie and Joseph; and three siblings: Kim Rager of Chicago, Illinois; Randall Urbom of Scottsdale, Arizona and Allison Raich of Windermere, Florida.
Donations in Joy’s memory may be made to the Orlando Adult Literacy League or the The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University.
Please join funeral service via live stream at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at
Services
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Visitation
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Memories
Mrs. Joy Renee Taylor
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ADD A MEMORYDave & Danelle Hinrichs
September 16, 2020
Tony, Georgi, Tommie, Joe, and sweet Hemi too,
We share in all of your grief, pain and heartache today. We watched the beautiful service and truly are amazed by all of your grace and strength. We loved Joy too. Until Dave & I came to Florida years back to visit, I heard on many occasions how wonderful your family was. Finally getting to meet you all, I could see why Dave loved you so much. I remember spending some time with Joy while Dave was with Tony and joking around with you kids, and I knew I liked her from the moment I met her. I remember how terrific she was as a Mother and I was in awe of how she made it look so easy. Her warmth, kind spirit, contagious laugh, sense of humor, love for her family, and her goodness shined through and we are forever grateful for our memories with her.
We pray that you will find comfort in the days ahead and know, you are loved so very much by your friends.
With love, Dave, Danelle, & Gracie Hinrichs
Dolly Pribbeno Parker
September 16, 2020
1984-85- four Willard sisters sharing a sorority room - lying sleepless in our beds at night and laughing! Laughing because we were figuring out everyone’s name backwards. Joy was so special- ready with her quick wit, a shared laugh, and good advice for a younger roommate who was in awe of her wisdom. My deepest condolences to you all. She will be dearly missed. ❤️
Carl & Marta Johanningmeier
September 16, 2020
Dear Tony,Georgi, Tommie & Joe,
We were deeply saddened of hearing of Joy passing. We didn’t get to see her much after the family moved to Florida. When she was living in Missouri we would be together through some family occasion being it happy times and sad. We were all connected through two marriages being our daughter Tammy & Tim Taylor and Joy & Tony Taylor. I believe Joy is in Heaven but, here on earth she left her heart and all her love to her family.
Our prayers go out to the Taylor family.
Love, Carl & Marta
Kelli Lawhead
September 16, 2020
Sending my love to your family in this time. Joy was a lovely young lady when I knew her, ever so calm and kind with a brilliant sense of humor and a deep smile to go with it. She was always known as “Fun Aunt Joy” to Grant and Alex, and a beloved Sister in Law to me. Prayers to you all.
Emma Rieker
September 15, 2020
I only got to meet Mrs. Taylor a couple day’s ago but her daughter Georgi is one of my closest friends. If the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree then she must have been amazing because Georgi is the most beautiful amazing person I’ve ever met! So thankful she brought her into my life.
Susan frary
September 15, 2020
I didn't know Joy, I was in the class of 1983 but its hard to loose someone so young with so much life ahead! Prayers and love to her family.
Jackie Dalton
September 15, 2020
Praying for the family during this time. We loved Joy and she will be greatly missed. Love to you all!
Scott Moore
September 15, 2020
Joy was joy. That pretty much says it all.
Amy Ha
September 14, 2020
Dear Tony, Georgi, Tommie,Joe.
I am Mrs.Joy nail’s technician and I have been doing her nails for eight years. Mrs.Joy is a wonderful mother, a perfect wife, and the kindest person I have ever met. She has a beautiful heart and is very patient towards me. She is always caring and treats me like her own sister. I am very grateful for the memories I had with her. Especially one time when she got her nails done, she would stop by at the Twistee Treat near the store to get ice cream. She would come back with her brightest and lovely smile to show me. I appreciate her a lot and I will always remember her in my heart. I hope she is in a good place, rest in peace to Mrs.Joy.
Sincerely,
Amy Ha
Andra Angle
September 14, 2020
Tony, Georgi, Tommie,Joe
I am deeply sorry for the loss of Joy. Joy was larger than life and kept all family activities moving along. She could navigate getting everyone where they needed to be in spite of the constant changes in plans that were cast to her. She would make me laugh when she would call with a new time or place to meet.
I can only imagine how difficult this is for each of you. I am praying for you and that Joy is at peace in heaven.
Love,
Andra Angle
Lauren Powers
September 14, 2020
I had the privilege of training Joy to be a tutor for the Adult Literacy League. She was thoughtful, funny, and made an impression, so much so that when I ran into her at a charity gala quite some time later I remembered her. Though I knew her briefly, it’s clear she was special.
Sending loving regards to the family.
Ken Lander
September 14, 2020
I had the opportunity to work with Joy in the 1990s when we represented different municipality and police officer defendants in civil rights cases. She really knew the law in that area very well. Since the defendants were usually united in defense strategy, Joy was always very friendly and helpful whenever I would call her with questions. I never forgot that about her. I was very saddened to learn of her passing.
Linda Murphy
September 14, 2020
Dearest Tony and Family,
We have so many fond memories of Joy. She truly lived up to her name. The world is so much better, because she was here. You are in our thoughts each moment. Love, Matt, Linda, Madelynn and Myles Murphy
Rich Huck
September 14, 2020
Dear Tony ,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Joy's illness and, later, her passing. It's an understatement to say that you two have been on my mind. I am so very sorry for your and your family's loss.
I have so many fond memories of practicing law with both of you; though at different times. You two shared such wit, charm, and intellect. I admired that, and always will.
I know you will persevere through the sadness and loss and will help your children through it as well. Take care...
Sincerely,
Rich Huck
Lisa Brockhoff
September 14, 2020
Dear Taylor Family,
Sending you thoughts and prayers from Nebraska!
I had many great times with Joy at Nebraska Wesleyan. So many of those memories were made at the Willard house. Joy was a special person and greatly respected.
Blessings to your family.
Michel Smith
September 14, 2020
Like sooo many people have shared, I didn’t know Joy as well as I would have liked.The thing of it is, I knew she was the kind of Person that possess that certain special something that made others feel loved and Accepted! She was a gem.
My Heartfelt prayers to all her friends and family. Rest well Joy
Lisa & Natalie Grzeszczak
September 13, 2020
Dear Tony, Georgi, Tommie & Joe,
Our family is deeply saddened to hear of Joy’s passing. What many fond memories of Joy and Natalie spending so much time at your home with Tommie during their years together at Windermere Prep. Joy’s dedication to her family was amazing! She always inspired me with her wealth of knowledge to navigate all school academics, sports, etc. Sending you our prayers and love to your family!
Bernie Mangan
September 13, 2020
Rest In Peace, Joy. I only wish I had time to know you better. Prayers for all Joy’s family during this grieving season.
Bob Colburn
September 13, 2020
Joy was one of the really nice people I met along the way. Prayers to her family.
Robert Krehbiel
September 13, 2020
Dear Tony and Family,
Joy was a special person -- an excellent lawyer and esteemed colleague who enriched not only my life but the lives of all those who knew and worked with her. She will continue to live in our memories.
Cyndy Frederick-Ufkes
September 12, 2020
To Joy's family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Joy's passing. Although I had not seen her since our 20-year high school reunion I have such wonderful memories of her. Joy was one of my all-time favorite people growing up in Lincoln. We were very good friends grades 6-12, walking home from school, taking French class for 6 years, playing our flutes in the orchestra for years, and other fun times. She was an amazing person and I am so sorry for your profound loss.
With heartfelt sympathy, Cyndy Frederick Ufkes
Jeff Brown
September 12, 2020
Tony and Family,
I was so very saddened to hear of Joy's passing. I know this is a difficult time, but please know that many people have been praying for Joy and continue to pray for her and your family at this difficult time.
"Jesus said to her 'I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.'"
John 11:25-26
We send our love and sympathy for the loss of Joy!
Lois Brown
September 12, 2020
Dear Tony and children, I am so very sorry for your loss of a wonderful wife and Mother. There are no words to make it better but know you have a large family praying for all of you and sending our love. Aunt Lois
David Weiss
September 12, 2020
Joy and all of my law school comrades were part of one of the best times of my life. I remember her fondly and my heart is filled with sadness for her family and my law school friends who remained friends with her in the years since. May her memory be a blessing.
Tina Kantounis
September 12, 2020
Dear Tony, Georgi, Tommie and Joe,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With Sympathy,
Louie, Tina, Maria and
Despina Kantounis