Mae “Pinky” Taylor
Mae Pinky Taylor
Mae “Pinky” Taylor, 97, left this earth for her heavenly home on April 1, 2023. She was born on May 31, 1925 in Missouri. Being born in May led to her being named Mae. None of her friends knew her as Mae, but rather as Pinky, a name that she was proud to be called.
She met the love of her life, George Taylor, at TCU, during seminary school. They later married and had an infant daughter, who did not survive in this earthly world. Because they could no longer have children, George and Pinky devoted their lives to helping other children in the churches where George’s ministry took them. They “adopted” those children and treated them as if they were their own. They spent hours teaching them about their faith and that of the church, but spent an equal amount of time encouraging these kids to shine, grow in their faith, and just be silly. From crazy, mixed-up dinners, to hide and seek, to overnighters, these kids had so much fun, but knew that they were safe to be themselves and felt loved. George and Pinky served many churches across the Midwest and left the churches in the kid’s capable hands. George left Pinky too early in December of 1989, while he was serving the church in Cameron, WV. Prior to his passing, he officiated 2 of the weddings of “his kids”.
Pinky continued to serve the church in Cameron until they were able to find a new minister. She then helped out however she could, whether it was playing the piano, or filling in for someone.
Pinky enjoyed travelling and went on several tours, making friends everywhere. On one cruise over Easter, several passengers came up to her and asked if she could lead a service on board, as there was no service scheduled. She put something together and led the service with a sermon and songs. The passengers were moved by the service. While leading the service, she wore her “Jesus” sweatshirt that had been made for her by one of “her kids”. She later said that she couldn’t think of anything better to wear for the occasion. She made new friends on all her travels, and kept them for life, hearing from them by mail or with phone calls.
Pinky had an amazing memory up until the day she passed. She could remember every little detail about all her life experiences. She collected something from every trip she took. And if asked, she could point out where she picked up her memento and there was always a story to go with it. Her house was filled with memories of a life-well-lived.
Among her treasured “adopted” kids were a group that she referred to as her “Super 6” from their New Martinsville ministry, Frank Ellis of Ohio, Bruce Johnson of North Carolina, Colette Coffield Goddard of South Carolina, Thomas Lee Cecil of Ohio, Doug Cecil of WV and Beth Berger Cantrell of Ohio. There were many other kids that she held dear to her heart from the New Martinsville First Christian Church and other churches where they served.
She also leaves behind a special friend, James Hribal, who, in her later years, became her company for meals, her chauffer, her handyman, and the son she never had. When the “Super 6” had a reunion with Pinky in New Martinsville in July of 2019, Jim brought her to town in his convertible so that she could make an entrance in true Pinky style.
She was loved by so many throughout the United States. Although, she didn’t have any biological family left, she left a huge “adopted” family behind. She will be missed for her wit, orneriness, laughter, friendship, memory, faith and love. We know that she has been reunited with George and her baby girl. She has earned her eternal rest. Until we meet again.