Ms. Lydia E. Taylor

Ms. Lydia Elizabeth Taylor, beloved daughter, sister and aunt, and friend went home to be with the Lord on February 26, 2026. Lydia was the eldest of three daughters born to Barbara Virginia Foster and Samuel Lightfoot Taylor on March 23, 1960. She was the granddaughter of paternal grandparents, Elder James and Carrie Taylor, and maternal grandparents, Lyclus and Virginia Foster. Lydia was especially close to Grandma and Granddaddy Foster and spent many hours with them. Alongside her sisters and grandparents, Lydia attended Sunday School at the Gospel Spreading Church in Hampton. She held fond memories of the Bible classes taught by her grandmother, Virginia Foster, which she attended faithfully until she graduated high school.

Lydia, was a joyful spirit, who loved geography, any type of globe and studied foreign cultures. As a child, she read encyclopedias regularly. Lydia served as a candy striper at Hampton General Hospital during summers and enjoyed engaging with patients. She graduated from Hampon High School and attended Thomas Nelson Community College and spent one summer at the Hampton University Pre-College. She also worked at the Fass Brothers Fish Company and Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Lydia was diagnosed with a chronic illness early in her twenties and struggled with chronic illness throughout her life. Even so, she was fun-loving and kept everyone around her laughing. She participated in the Autumn Care choir and loved music. Lydia had a deep concern for children who were suffering in foreign lands and was a lifelong giver to “Save the Children” and other non-profits that provided health, food and emergency relief, including the 700 club. Lydia loved her parents, grandparents, siblings and nieces and nephews beyond measure and was exceedingly thoughtful sending cards and never forgot a birthday. She was beloved by nephews Christopher and Martin, and nieces Virginia, Kendyl and the late Keanna Wright, who affectionately referred to Lydia as “Aunt Lit.”

Lydia was preceded in death by her father Samuel Lightfoot Taylor, special Brother-in-Law Mark Antwine Kelley, and beloved niece Keanna Marianne

Wright. Lydia leaves behind a legacy of love. Her mother, Barbara Foster Taylor, who dutifully cared for Lydia most of her adult life, survives her. Lydia is also survived by her sisters Cheryl Taylor Kelley and caregiver Joan Taylor Wright; nephews Christopher Mark Kelley (Krystilyn) and Martin Alexander Xavier Kelley; and nieces Virginia Victoria Cutright (Edwin) and Kendyl Marielle Wright. The family would like to thank the staff of the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board (CSB) and the staff at the Autumn Care Nursing Home of Norfolk. Special Thanks is extended to the “Happy Am I Pilgrims” who visited Lydia faithfully. The family is asking that any monetary donations be made to:

Elder Peter L. Smith Sr. c/o: Happy Am I Pilgrims Sick & Shut-In Ministry 2123 Treasure Island Rd Williamsburg, VA, 23185

Save the Children Attn: Gift Processing 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400 Fairfield, CT 06825 Flowers are welcome.

It is the desire of the Taylor family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Ms. Lydia E. Taylor has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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