Obituary of Shirley Jo Taylor

TAYLOR, Shirley Jo Harris was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, mentor, community member, educator and colleague. Shirley passed away on May 16, 2018, just prior to her 86th birthday. She was a long-time Arizona resident, moving from Texas to Willcox, AZ in 1942 with her family. Shirley attended the University of Arizona, where she received her Bachelor's degree in Home Economics, and Master's in Home Economics Education. While attending the U of A, she met Ralph Taylor and they were married in 1955. Her first Home Economics teaching job was at Mansfield Junior High School. Shirley's entire career focused on educating and mentoring youth. In 1979, she completed her PhD degree; and she and daughter Carol (with her Bachelor's degree) went through commencement together. In 2000, she retired from the U of A Cooperative Extension, where her work focused on 4H and youth development. Shirley volunteered on many university committees - always wanting to help those around her be their very best! Her favorite things included family, mentoring, the beautiful spring wildflowers, U of A Wildcat basketball and volunteering at the Arizona Desert Museum for 18 years. She is survived by daughters, Carol Taylor of Tucson, AZ, Ann Taylor (Bryan Barr) of Oracle, AZ; son, Keith (Pam Taylor) of Tucson, AZ; granddaughters, Gracie and Katie Hufford of Tucson, AZ; and brother, Dave Harris (Earlene Harris) of Willcox, AZ. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph. A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd. in Tucson, AZ on Friday, June 1, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests making contributions in Shirley H. Taylor's name to: Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, University of Arizona Norton School of Family & Consumer Sciences, and Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tucson, AZ. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.