Emily "E.J." Taylor

She was born on September 13, 1942, in Jacksonville, Florida. She grew up on 2nd Avenue North, in Jax Beach. She was a Fletcher girl at heart and was part of the graduating class of 1960. She was an avid tennis player and on the inaugural Fletcher girls’ tennis team.

E.J. was married to the love of her life, Rob Taylor, for 59 years. They built a beautiful life and family together.

What brought E.J. more joy than anything was being surrounded by the people she loved. She was fiercely dedicated to her family and could always be counted on to show up for the people who mattered to her most. Her presence was a constant in the lives of those she loved, and the memories she created with them and will continue to be shared for generations.

E.J. was immensely proud of her Scottish heritage. She was on the board of directors and a charter member with the St. Andrew’s Society of Jacksonville. She was a founder and board member of The Northeast Florida Scottish Highland Games and the treasurer. She carried her heritage with pride and helped to keep its traditions alive for her family and community.

She loved the history of the beaches and was a big influence at the Beaches Historical Society and once again was part of the board of directors.

She was heavily involved in theatre and was the costume director for Y-BAG, Youth of the Beaches Arts Guild.

She wore many hats in our Jacksonville community and helped to develop and create traditions that will last a lifetime.

E.J. opened a medical company named Associated Medical Products in 1986 where she was the owner and president, a role that reflected her determination and dedication she brought to so many areas of her life.

Shortly after, E.J. and Rob created MSC, Medical Services Company and merged the 2 companies together which created a powerhouse in the workers comp industry nationwide and had over 800 employees.

E.J. had a lifelong love for animals, especially dogs, and supported many dog rescues across the country. She was known by her family as St. Francis of Assisi. She could calm any animal with just a look or touch.

She loved to dance, boy did she love it, and that joy and energy became part of how so many people will remember her. Whether she was celebrating her Scottish roots, loving on an animal, dancing, or simply being surrounded by her family, E.J. lived with a presence that was unmistakably her own.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Riddell; her father, Robert MacDonell; her sisters; Bobbie Sutton (Wimpy Sutton); and Ann Reilly.

She is survived by her husband, Rob Taylor; sister, Janet Macdonell; brother-in-law, David Taylor; daughters, Chrissy Taylor (Charlie) and Robin Taylor; grandchildren, Peyton Hunter (Franko), Taylor Martin (Taylor), Drew Taylor (Reiley), Josh Taylor, and Ashton Taylor; and great-grandchildren, Kaiden Hunter, Liam Hunter, and Everleigh Hunter.

E.J. leaves behind a family forever changed and will miss her so much. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; in the traditions she passed down; in the stories that will continue to be told; and in every gathering where someone dances a little longer, loves an animal a little more, or proudly celebrates the Scottish heritage she held so dear.

After a lifetime devoted to the people she loved, E.J. will be remembered not simply for the years she lived, but for the family she built, the traditions she carried forward, and the love she leaves behind.

We will gather to hold her close, remember her, and celebrate her beautiful life on: October 17th at 3:00 p.m., at Beaches Chapel Church, 610 Florida Boulevard, Neptune Beach, FL 32266

In celebration of her Scottish heritage, family and friends are welcome to wear tartan or a kilt if they would like to attend the service, but please simply come as you are most comfortable.

Immediately following the service, all are welcome to join the family for a Celebration of Life at Culhane’s Irish Pub, 967 Atlantic Boulevard in Atlantic Beach. We will sing, we will dance, we will tell stories and rejoice in her life, just how she would want it. All are warmly invited to join the family in sharing memories, laughter, and love.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask you to make a donation to:

Saint Andrew’s Society of Jacksonville:

https://jaxsaintandrews.org/membership/

Animal Rescue Aid:

https://www.facebook.com/AnimalRescueAid