Taylor Branham Reid Lail, age 41, of Hickory, NC passed away on May 10, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends as she entered her heavenly home.
Taylor was born on March 8, 1984, in Biloxi, MS and was raised in Canton, OH before settling and calling Hickory her home. Taylor was a graduate of Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, OH. Shortly after moving to Hickory, she began her career at Bank of America. Taylor was proud to have worked at BofA for 18 years and called many of her co-workers friends. She was a faithful member of Wilkes Grove Baptist Church and was blessed to be part of a wonderful church family who provided endless support during her battle.
Taylor and her husband Jimmy celebrated 10 wonderful years of marriage together last August. Many have said there were never two people made for each other as much as they were. And they were right. The two of them, as different as they were, just fit. They laughed often, as there was never a dull moment in their relationship. And they loved each other through those happy times and also through the sad times. They supported each other the way a husband and wife should and Taylor was so thankful the Lord brought Jimmy into her life.
Raising her son Haiden into the fine young man he is today was Taylor’s greatest accomplishment. She considered it such an honor to be his mother. Taylor was his biggest supporter in life. Watching him compete, excel and achieve his goals was such a blessing and she could not have been more proud of her son. Taylor never missed an activity that Haiden was involved in. Whether it was swim meets, tennis matches or an academic function, she was front and center and was always his biggest cheerleader. And some might say the loudest! She will still be cheering him on – and she will have the best seat in the house.
Taylor was deeply loved by her four grandchildren: Stetson, Ali, Memphis and Kash. They affectionately called her “Big Mamaw”. And Big she was! Big on living life and Big on making memories. From daily golf cart rides to annual zoo and water park trips, Taylor loved spending as much time as she could with her sweet grandbabies. They brought so much joy to her life. And a lifetime of memories with them were made.
Taylor loved to cook for her family and friends. She enjoyed planning and hosting parties to celebrate those around her. And she was wonderful at it. She just had that special touch where you always felt welcome in her home. The long farmhouse table was always set and there were plenty of chairs for a crowd. Anyone was welcome to come and be a part of ‘Supper Club’ or ‘Sunday Funday’. It brought Taylor so much joy to cook and entertain for her loved ones.
Taylor also had a genuine love of travel. She was blessed to have traveled the world with family and friends. She was known for her travel books with photos of all the places she visited. From spending the night in a cozy mountain cabin in Pigeon Forge to waking up to a South African sunrise, Taylor experienced and loved it all. She was blessed to have seen some of the most beautiful places on earth. But what was even more of a blessing during her travels, was the people she was with – her family and friends.
Taylor was blessed to live an extraordinary life. Because she was quite simply, an extraordinary person. She was always there to help and serve in any way she could – her family, her friends and even friends of her friends. Whether it was making a phone call, sending a text, mailing a card or delivering a home cooked meal, Taylor showed her love. And most importantly, she prayed for them. Because she truly loved and cared for everyone around her. She had a servant’s heart. We will deeply miss her, but we hold on to the assurance that we know we will see her again one day.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Taylor is preceded in death by her grandparents Carl and Barbara Johnson, Ernest Stone, Ervin and Barbara Icard. She was also preceded in death by aunts Kristi Wallen, Jacquelyn Stone, and Tierney (Ty) Breckenridge.
Those left to cherish Taylor’s memory are her husband, Jimmy Lail; mother, Brenda Stone; beloved son, Haiden Dale; step-son, Jacob Lail (Baylee), father, Jerry Stone and grandmother Alberta Stone. In addition, Taylor’s four grandchildren: Stetson and Kash Lail, Ali and Memphis Bradshaw.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. at Wilkie’s Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Thurman Roe officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Wilkie’s Grove Baptist Church.
A special thank you from the family to everyone at Carolina Caring for the care and support provided during this difficult time. Memorials may be sent to them at the following address:
Carolina Caring Catawba Valley Hospice House
3975 Robinson Road
Newton, NC 28658