

Doreatha, known to her family as "Doe" or "MaDoe" was born September 14, 1926, in Nash County, NC. Third child of seven to the late William Jordan Taylor and Thelma Lewis Taylor. She grew up in Wilson, NC, attended Fredrick Woodard Elementary School, and graduated from Charles L. Coon High School in 1944. She was employed at Branch Banking & Trust Company for sixteen years. She was a member of the First Methodist United Methodist Church of Wilson, NC. Sang in the Children's Choir growing up and the Chancel Choir as an adult, was a member of the Bradshaw Sunday School Class, and active in a ladies' Circle of the church. On February 17, 1951, she married James Harvey Taylor, the love of her life, who died on March 24, 1985. They had two children, a daughter, Drew, and a son, James H. Jr.
Doreatha was a member of the Jaycettes, serving as President and in other offices in the 1960's. The family moved to Raleigh, NC, in June of 1969, where her husband, James, had accepted a job with the State Department of Human Resources. They joined St. Mark's United Methodist Church and the Walter Anderson Sunday School Class. She joined the Chancel Choir, where she remained for 48 years, retiring in 2017. She loved praising the Lord through music and singing about his love for all. She was a member of St. Mark's UMW, Christian Book Study, served Meals on Wheels, and attended Bible Application Class for eighteen years. She worked at the NC Department of Revenue for five years during tax season and in 1985 was employed at the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, where she remained for sixteen years, retiring at the end of 2001. She loved her family and friends and always enjoyed their fellowship together.
Predeceased besides her parents and husband, was sister Hazel T. Moore and husband, Joe C. Moore, Wilson, NC; sister Virginia T. Perry, Wilson, NC and brothers James (Jimmy) F. Taylor and wife, Sue E. Taylor of Raleigh, NC; William J. Taylor, Jr. and wife, Betty S. Taylor, Wilson, NC; L. Jerome Taylor and wife, Barbara S. Taylor of Rocky Mount, NC; sister in law, Martha Sue P. Taylor, Raleigh, NC; brothers in law, Bobby E. Sutton and Robert (Bob) L. Perry, Wilson, NC.
Survived by daughter, Drew T. McCoy and husband, Thomas (Tom) L. McCoy, Charlotte, NC; son, James H. Taylor, Jr. and wife, Dana M. Taylor, Morrisville, NC; grandsons, Alexander (Alex) J. McCoy, Knightdale, NC and William (Will) C. McCoy, Elon, NC; brother H. Ray Taylor, Raleigh, NC; sister in law, Mary Ann T. Sutton, Littleton, NC and many beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
We would like to thank all of the Caregivers over the years for their loving and compassionate care: Charlene, Dawne, Dorcas, Julie, Lilian, Neisa, Regina, Rose, Susan, and Vanessa. All of her long-time physicians, WakeMed North Hospital, and Transitions LifeCare for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Memory of Doreatha Taylor to The Sanctuary Choir, St. Mark's United Methodist, 4801 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609.
Visitation will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609, US, on May 6, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A Funeral Service will take place at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 4801 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609, US, on May 7, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Graveside services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 2704 NASH ST N, WILSON, NC 27896, US, on May 7, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
DONATIONS
St. Mark's United Methodist (The Sanctuary Choir)4801 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
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