Virginia Taylor

A celebration of life for Virginia G. Taylor, 95, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 , 2026 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo, SC. The service will be officiated by Reverend Jad Taylor and Dr. Dwight Gunter with a reception immediately afterward.

Mrs. Taylor passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Born in Hopewell, VA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph R. Griggs and Naomi Smith Griggs. Raised in a devout Christian home as the middle of seven children, her faith remained central throughout her life.

While attending Trevecca Nazarene University, she met and married James D. Taylor. Jim, as he was known to friends, was called to the ministry, and together they began a life of service. With their firstborn daughter, Judy, they moved to Kansas City for Jim to attend seminary, where their second child, Janet, was born. Virginia began her ministry as a pastor’s wife in Copley, Ohio, and later in Charleston, SC, where their third child, Jimmy, was born.

The Taylor family faithfully followed God’s call, serving churches in many communities—pastoring, nurturing, and helping to build congregations. Virginia and Jim also served as missionaries in Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, and Dominica.

A gifted musician, Virginia founded and directed “The Spiritual Reactions,” a traveling teen choir that performed in churches throughout the state. She was a dedicated choir director in every church she served and led numerous cantatas over the years.

Virginia had a lifelong love of learning. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene University, as well as master’s degrees in literature and psychology from the University of South Carolina. She taught English and literature before transitioning to roles as a school counselor and school psychologist.

She also had a passion for art, studying and working in oils, watercolors, and acrylics. Her artwork is cherished and displayed in the homes of family and friends.

She was survived by her child, Judy T. Nixon (Dr Wendel L. Nixon) of Columbia, SC who subsequently died Tuesday, May 5, 2026. She is survived by her children, Janet R. Taylor (Dr. Melinda Borthick) of St. Petersburg, FL, and Dr. Jim Taylor (Karla Taylor) of Chapin, SC; her sister, Dr. Nina Gunter (Dr. Moody Gunter) of Franklin, TN; and her grandchildren, Michael G. Nixon and Taylor M. Nixon of Eugene, OR, Dr. Ella Firtko (Matt Firtko) of Irmo, SC, Rev. Jad Taylor (Erin Taylor) of Lexington, SC, and Jenna Morvay (Connor Morvay) of Chapin, SC.

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Chiam Diluvian, Ivy Diluvian and Townes Nixon Wiley, all of Eugene, OR; Griffin Firtko and Hayes Firtko of Irmo, SC; Elias Taylor of Lexington, SC; and Ellie Morvay, Caleb Morvay, and Riley Morvay of Chapin, SC; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses, caregivers, and staff at Generations of Irmo and Lexington Community Hospice House for their compassionate care.

Memorials may be made to the Nixon Scholarship Endowment Fund at Trevecca Nazarene University, 333 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo SC, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com