Kathryn Davis Taylor

Norman Kathryn Davis was born in Galveston, Texas on June 17th, 1926. She lived with her father, Merlin Clifton Davis, mother, Norman Francis Wilson Davis and older brother, Merlin Jr. She spent her childhood in Galveston and Houston, surrounded by her strong, loving extended family. During the Great Depression the summers were spent at “the camp” at the beach in Galveston. The adults, parents, grandmother, aunts and uncles sheltered Kathryn, Merlin Jr. and their cousins, Perry, Jean and Bob Luth from the hardships of The Depression, and years later they remembered these days fondly as times of adventure, fun and freedom.

Kathryn was always drawn to performing. By nineteen she knew she wanted to be an actress and set off for New York City to study acting. She lived in a tiny apartment in the Village with her cousin Jean, Jean’s husband, Eugene and their newborn baby daughter Laura. She had many adventures in New York, before moving to California, where most of the family had relocated. She established herself as an actress, model, singer and director. She performed on stage and in television. The theatre was her passion and her love for her craft was contagious. She also taught children’s summer acting classes, attended by Laura and Bob Vale, her second cousins.

When Kathryn met Chris Taylor she knew she had met the love of her life. They married in a little chapel in Palos Verdes and lived in the San Fernando Valley for years. Norman and Kathryn had been a team,

and Chris became a part of the team. Kathryn enjoyed her career, but also loved her time with her family. She and Chris loved going out on their boat and entertaining. Eventually they moved back to Long Beach to help Norman, living in one of the units in the apartment building that Norman had built years earlier. As you entered the gate you were swept into another world. Large eucalyptus trees surrounded the property and the gardens were beautiful. Norman and Kathryn always put up lights and decorated the gardens, and many cast parties and parties for family and friends were held there. One play that Kathryn performed in was Auntie Mame. She truly was the Hostess with the Mostes’ in real life as well. Drawn into her circle in Long Beach were Virginia, who became her “sister” and Virginia’s daughters, Ruthy and Cher who became her “granddaughters”. Everyone who lived at 1960 E. Jackson became family. Kathryn welcomed her nieces and nephews from Michigan to sunny California many times, enthusiastically showing them the sights of California. She also visited her brother and family when she could.

Kathryn became caretaker for her beloved mother, Norman when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her husband also became ill and passed away. Kathryn, with the help of Virginia, lovingly and selflessly took care of her mom. She was love in action. She continued to be positive, always looking at the good in life. Her bond with her mom was strong, and she always remembered the love that had been given to her. She was simply giving that love back. Eventually Norman passed away and Kathryn continued on. Joie de Vivre is a French phrase used to

express a cheerful enjoyment of life; an exultation of spirit. That was Kathryn.

Throughout her career Kathryn continued to act and direct. She even directed her younger cousin Laura in a little theatre production of “You Can’t Take It With You” in La Mirada. She enjoyed working with the Long Beach Civic Light Opera performing in and directing numerous shows, “The King and I” being a favorite. She became the artistic director of the company. She worked in many theatres throughout Southern California, however she was really at home at the Long Beach Playhouse performing in many wonderful productions. She was with the Playhouse for over fifty years, and was honored to receive their Lifetime Achievement Award. One of her later roles was as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. Through the years her family always loved going to see her perform. She wanted to share her love of the theatre with everyone.

In her later years she was filled with peace. She felt grateful for the wonderful life that she had lived. She had faith in God, and never felt alone. She felt surrounded by the love of her parents and all of her loved ones. They were always with her. Kathryn passed away at age 91 on June 30, 2017 at 6:40 a.m. in Long Beach, California.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews Merlin Davis III-Murd, (wife Chris), Karen Schalhamer (husband Mike), Debbie Shead (husband Ken), Gregg Davis and Tom Davis. She is also survived by her second cousins Laura Jean Vale Dodson and Robert Eugene Vale (wife Deanna), Bob Luth, John Luth and Tom Luth.

She is also survived by her granddaughters Ruthy Alexandria Wolf and Cheralyn Courtney Wolf. Kathryn also leaves behind numerous family members and friends. She will be remembered for her enthusiasm, zest for life and loving, positive attitude.

A memorial will be held at The Long Beach Playhouse on July 11 from 1:00-4:00pm. Donations can be made to the theatre that she loved in her name and memory at www.lbplayhouse.org

Visitation and other arrangements are being handled through Westminster Memorial Park and Mortuary, 14801 Beach Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683. Viewing will be held on July 11 from 9:00-9:15 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 9:30 a.m.