Juanita Davis Taylor

May 19, 1912 - February 23, 2017

Juanita was born in Albia, Iowa. She went to school in Des Moines, Iowa, where she was an exceptional student, graduating with work ready skills of typing, shorthand and an enviable work ethic. Juanita's first job out of high school was at Meredith Co. who published "Better Homes & Gardens." She was privileged to have been the typist for their first cookbook! Juanita's job experience led her to "Penick and Ford," a corn processing company. She held a position as the executive secretary for the head of the Bulk Sales Dept., a valued position and indispensable as the woman who kept the office efficiently. Juanita married Kenneth Knealon Taylor in 1937. They had 5 children. Juanita's career path included going back to college when her youngest child Richard was in kindergarten. She graduated with her teaching certification at Drake University. Juanita taught for 8 years at the Des Moines, Iowa School District, working also for the Urban Renewal 2 Years. Upon her husband's death in 1963, Juanita moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1964 where she taught first grade for 13 years for the LA United School District. Juanita retired in June of 1977. In 2002 at 90 yrs old, Juanita moved to Bellingham, WA to be closer to her son Richard and family. Juanita lived at the Leopold Retirement Home until 2015. Juanita enjoyed playing bridge, walking, painting, reading & Sudoku. Juanita's curiosity and adventurous spirit led her on many travels. Notably, she traveled throughout the US, France, England, Scotland, Wales, Holland, Italy, India, China, Mexico, Spain, Morocco, Canada, Colombia, S.A, and the Bahamas. Juanita traveled both sides of the Himalayas via Nepal and Tibet and to Xian to see the Terracotta warriors and others. Memories too many to mention. Juanita was a life-long learner. She was an intelligent, caring and thoughtful woman. Most importantly, Juanita was a devoted wife and mother. She modeled kindness, consideration, patience, and dedication to one's career for her children. Juanita would never say an unkind word about anyone. Juanita liked all people, all races. She was the epitome of tolerance and "live and let live." She will be greatly missed by all who loved her. Juanita Davis Taylor's words of wisdom; "Tell your children to be educated and to never stop learning." Juanita is preceded in death by her father Phillips Lewis Davis, mother Minnie Maud Turner Davis, brother Philip W. Davis, sister Wilma (Davis) Cervi, husband Kenneth K. Taylor (1963) and son Philip K. Taylor (1977). Juanita is survived by her children: sons David C. Taylor (Ann), Don F. Taylor, her daughter Susan E. Taylor Gummere and son Richard T. Taylor (Ping) (Dennis), and by her loving Grandchildren; Erica (Nolan) Davidson, Clea Taylor, Devin Taylor, Xin Hu, Robert Taylor, Terri Taylor, Kenneth (Sherri) Scott, Jessica Scott, Kathryn (John) McNeal, Kimberly (Jesse) Robertson, Kristin (Scott) Sorce, Kolleen (Jeff) Mangrum. Juanita leaves behind also, her dear Great Grandchildren, Hazel Isla Davidson, Kailyn Scott Schubert, Brandon Lee Olson, Lauren Scott, Benjamin Scott, Christopher (Lauren) Hall, Sarah Hall, J. Paden Robertson, J. Brooks Robertson, Spencer Sorce, Isabella Sorce, Hannah Sorce, Nathan Mangrum and Joshua Mangrum. Memories can be shared at www.westfordfuneralhome.com and there will be a family memorial at Bonney- Watson-SeaTac on Tuesday, February 28th,2017. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to Sarvey Wildlife Center, Arlington WA.