Anne Wilkerson Taylor

Anne Wilkerson Taylor, 75, of Calera, Alabama, passed away on August 21, 2026. Born October 12, 1950, in Defuniak Springs, Florida, Anne lived a life marked by steady devotion, hard work, and a generous spirit that made others feel seen, safe, and cared for. She was beloved and cherished by many, known for her honesty, loyalty, patience, and a quiet wisdom often delivered with a well-timed sense of humor.

Anne grew up dirt poor in a sewing community in Kinston, Alabama, in Coffee County. Her father was a farmer, and her mother worked at the sewing factory. From an early age, Anne carried responsibility with faithfulness and grit—caring for her brothers and washing dishes in the cafeteria so they could eat at school. With resourcefulness born of necessity, her mother made clothes from bags of cloth scraps, and Anne later made her own wedding dress—an enduring reflection of her determination and capable hands. She became the fourth person in the family on both sides to receive a degree in education, later earning a Master’s and an Ed.S. (Education Specialist). Anne attended Troy State University in Dothan, Alabama, and the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama.

Anne married her husband, Bill, because he had money and bought her the very first hamburger she had ever eaten. Together, they shared 52 years of marriage. Their life included 18 addresses in 18 years, shaped by Bill’s work in the United States Air Force and later as a welding inspector for Daniel International, as well as his retirement from Naval civil service. Through every move and season, Anne remained a steadfast center—faithful, practical, and deeply devoted to her family.

Anne worked at Cora Castlen Elementary School and Grand Bay Middle School for most of her career in Grand Bay, Alabama. Her calling as an educator was evident in the way she supported students and staff alike. Students remembered Anne as the “best hugger ever,” the “best teacher ever,” and someone who inspired both her students and colleagues—proof that her generosity was not only given in what she did, but in how she made people feel.

Anne's joys were simple, warm, and wonderfully her own: gardening vegetables and flowers, holiday cooking, and her “Top Secret” pound cake—spoken of with the kind of reverence reserved for true family legends. She loved to read, with favorites including Five People You Meet in Heaven and All Creatures Great and Small. She enjoyed doodling and crochet, and she had her particular favorites—caffeine-free Diet Coke with her ice, Hershey chocolate bars, Hi-Chews, and Tootsie Rolls. Anne also delighted in her TV shows, including Bridgerton, Stranger Things, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and The Witcher.

Anne found community and friendship through the Red Hat Society in Grand Bay, Alabama, and through the Ladies Bible Study Group with Ebenezer Methodist Church in Montevallo, Alabama—places where her faithful presence, steady kindness, and good humor were deeply appreciated.

Above all, Anne’s heart was in “all things grandkids.” She was “Granny” to 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, a name that carried comfort, laughter, and unwavering love.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; brothers, Robert Wilkerson, Junior Wilkerson (Sue and Jimmy), Charles Wilkerson, Jerry Wilkerson; and sister, Baby Wilkerson.

Anne is survived by her three sons, Randy Taylor (Heather), Matt Taylor (Leigh-Ann), and Jason Taylor (Heather); grandchildren, James (Lauren), Nathan (Ash), Joe, Gus, Judd (Erin), Gordon, Zoe, Vivi, Hanna, and Ruby; bonus grandchildren, Aaron, Brooke (Zach), Zach (Rachel), Trevor (Breonna), Casey (Jacob), Tori (Zach), and Joey; great-grandchildren, Charlie and Ann-Marie; and bonus great-grandchildren, Zoey, Luke, Beckett, Naomi, Stella, CiCi, and Dakota. Anne is also survived by her oldest sister, Betty Carnley and youngest brother, PeeWee Wilkerson. Anne was a second mom to Tonya Rabren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Rockco Funeral Home (Montevallo), 3715 Highway 25, Montevallo, Alabama, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Anne will be laid to rest at the Alabama National Cemetery and join her husband, Bill, at a later date.