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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE ANN S. TAYLOR OF HEATH SPRINGS AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Honorable Ann S. Taylor of Heath Springs on August 18, 2020, at the venerable age of ninety-three; and
Whereas, born to John and Leona Shehane on October 13, 1926, Ann lived nearly all her years in Heath Springs, a place she loved dearly. She was a child who grew up during the Great Depression and a young woman whose life was further shaped by her roles as a wife and mother back home while her Navy husband served first in the Atlantic Theater and finally in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Although humble, she was a person of grit and tenacity who was prepared to meet whatever challenges came her way. Always frugal, she was at the same time generous, sharing her blessings later in life by endowing scholarships at Charleston Southern University and at the University of South Carolina Lancaster; and
Whereas, during her working career, she served in the administrative offices of Leroy Springs & Company. Upon retirement, she took her previous community volunteer role to the next level, becoming a candidate for elected office. Ann initially served for six years on Heath Springs Town Council, followed by twenty-seven years as mayor, a post from which she announced her retirement just three years ago. Among the hallmarks of her tenure were the extension of town limits, beautification, the installation of additional sidewalks, expansion and upgrade for both the water and sewer systems, renovation and enlargement of Heath Springs Town Hall (now renamed the Ann S. Taylor Municipal Center in her honor), and conversion of the town's historic train depot into an attractive event venue. A Fourth of July celebration with a parade, food vendors, and musical entertainment was instituted, and it has become a tradition for which the town is known. Heath Springs Industrial Park was established, with one company now in operation and room for more businesses to be recruited; and
Whereas, in addition to her contributions directly to the Town of Heath Springs and the surrounding community, Mayor Taylor served actively on the Lancaster County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, Catawba Regional Council of Governments Board of Directors, Connie Maxwell Children's Home Board of Trustees, and Charleston Southern University Board of Visitors; and
Whereas, many appreciated Ann's servant heart. She was recognized by the Lancaster County Council on Aging for her dedication to that organization's mission, and she received the Hettie Rickett Leadership Award from the South Carolina Community Development Association. Upon the conclusion of her final term as mayor, Ann was honored with resolutions by both the South Carolina House of Representatives and the South Carolina Senate. Further, she previously had been awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service by Charleston Southern University; and
Whereas, this woman of faith also was a longtime member of Heath Springs Baptist Church, where she worshipped her God and served Him in several ways. She was a member of the choir, a former Sunday School and AWANA teacher, church treasurer for more than twenty-five years, and member of the Pulpit Committee responsible for calling the current pastor to the church. She purchased and donated a home to provide residential care for missionaries while they are on furlough in the United States between foreign assignments. This home, named the Elton and Ann Taylor Mission House, is part of the Heath Springs Baptist Church campus; and
Whereas, predeceased by her husband, Blake Elton Taylor, Sr., and her sister, Mary Frances Catoe, she leaves to cherish her memory a son, Blake E. Taylor, Jr. (Grace Ann), of Lexington; a granddaughter, Tonya F. Taylor of Lexington; and a grandson, Blake E. "Tripp" Taylor III (Elizabeth) of Lexington; and
Whereas, having modeled how to make a difference whenever and wherever opportunities to do so occur, Ann Taylor leaves behind a legacy of faithful service and commitment. The people of South Carolina, most particularly those of Heath Springs, were made better by her influence and will greatly miss her impactful presence. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of the Honorable Ann S. Taylor of Heath Springs and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Blake E. Taylor, Jr., for the family.
This web page was last updated on September 15, 2020 at 1:07 PM