Georgann Grace Taylor

Georgann Grace Taylor passed away on May 15, 2023, at the age of 96 in Corvallis Oregon. She lived a full and eventful life. Georgann was born on September 3, 1926, in Arlington South Dakota to George and Anna Abbott. She lived there with her parents and sister Marcene until she graduated from high school. Georgann was very involved in school activities. She sang in several choirs, played a small baritone horn in the band, and was a cheerleader. She credits the championship basketball teams at Arlington High School for her lifelong passion for the game, which she passed on to both her children. After high school graduation Georgann moved to Minneapolis Minnesota to enroll in the College of Medical Technology. She worked as a lab tech for several years before moving to Brookings South Dakota. Her life changed forever when she met Norman D. Dobie in the chemistry department at South Dakota State College in Brookings. He had returned from a 4-year tour of duty in the European Theatre in WWII and was finishing his master’s degree in chemistry. They dated for a period of time and then got engaged. Before they married, Norm was accepted at Oregon State to pursue a PhD in Plant Pathology. After their marriage in Brookings, they honeymooned across the country through the Black Hills and Yellowstone National Park to their new home in Corvallis Oregon. After finishing his degree, Norm was hired by Oregon State as a researcher and a graduate school professor. Georgann and Norm had two children, Pamela Jean and Norman Douglas. All was wonderful until Norm got sick in 1965. He died in 1967. It was a very sad and difficult time for Georgann. She lost the love of her life at such a young age and had to raise their children on her own. Georgann met and then married Lyall F. Taylor in 1974. They moved to Wilmington Delaware so that Lyall could finish his career as an entomologist with the Dupont Company. She was able to travel across Europe and Asia with Lyall, as well as develop close relationships with many people that she stayed in contact with throughout her life. Georgann studied to be a docent at the Nemours Mansion outside of Wilmington, and then spent many years as a tour guide on the property. She was passionate about this work and proud to share the Nemours history with others. These years in Delaware were some of the happiest in her life. Georgann and Lyall moved back to Corvallis in 1981 to retire close to family and friends in the Northwest. She continued to be a community volunteer working as the co-chair for FISH of Benton County Emergency Services for 14 years, the OSU Thrift Store, and the Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary Board where she worked into her 90s. Georgann also enjoyed being part of the local chapter of PEO in Corvallis. The First Christian Church remained a big part of her life. She sang in the choir, was part of the chimers group, was a deacon, and often a part of weekly Bible study. She and her sister Marcene were a constant in the church for decades. Six years ago, Georgann moved to Timberhill Place where she lived until her death. The family thanks the staff for the kind loving support and care she received over the years. Georgann is survived by her two children, Pam and Doug, two grandsons, Ryan and Michael, and two great-grandchildren, Olivia and Luke. She is also survived by Lyall’s daughter Barb and several nieces and nephews. Please leave your condolence messages for the family below.

Georgann Grace Taylor

September 3, 1926 - May 15, 2023