Shirley Scanlan Taylor

Shirley Scanlan Taylor passed away at home peacefully on Sunday, November 24, 2019,
surrounded by her family. She was 96. Shirley was the wife of the late J. Fant Taylor, Sr. She is
survived by her six children and their spouses: Susan and Jim Wadick; J. Fant Taylor, Jr;
Robert G. Taylor Sr; David and Missy Taylor; Patti and Robert Lapeyre; Peggy and Richard
Bailey; and preceded in death by her son, John Edward Taylor. Shirley is also survived by 11
grandchildren: Robert G. Taylor, Jr (Tiffany); Ashley Taylor Ferrand; Wilson and Kelly Taylor;
Robert, Lucy, and Miles Lapeyre; Taylor Bouche` (Michael), Ellie Bourgeois (Al), and Lee Bailey
(Hannah); 5 great grandchildren: Gregory and Joshua Taylor, Kaylee Ezell (Brandon), and Grey
Taylor; Riley and Alex Ferrand; 3 great great grandchildren: Bentley Wooters and Amara Ezell;
Avery Taylor; her brothers Jay Scanlan, Sr. (Carolyn) and Claude Scanlan (Ann); sister in law
Edna Scanlan and many dearly loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her
parents, Frances and Edward Scanlan; sisters Frances Wagnon (Reynolds), Helen
Daspit( Larry), Ivy Whitty, and Mary Lynn Rau (Eddie); brothers John Scanlan, Edward
Scanlan(Florence), David Scanlan (Claudine), and Reggie Scanlan; sister-in-laws Lucille
Calkins (Chester), Catherine Taylor, Sister Mary de Lourdes Charbonnet SLW, and brother-in-law
Frank Charbonnet.

Shirley was born on June 15, 1923 in New Orleans. After her graduation from Sophie B. Wright
High School in 1941, she began working for New Orleans Public Service in the accounting
department, where many young girls worked during WW II. While J.Fant Taylor had been a
family friend for years, it was only after a “two week” courtship that they were married in October
of 1944. Together they established Taylor Furniture Co, a fixture in New Orleans, where she
spent nearly 60 years working while raising their family. Shirley was a vivacious and spirited
inspiration to her family and everyone she met. Her positive outlook, quick wit and encouraging
ways left a lasting impression and made each person feel special. She was never short of
visitors as her fabulous stories kept them coming. At 96, Shirley was continuing her life long
hobbies of sewing, knitting, crocheting, and needlepointing, as well as beginning her new found
talent of painting colorful canvases. Much of her time and creativity was dedicated to her family,
especially to her grandchildren, whom she held close to her heart.

The family is grateful to her compassionate caregivers Glenda Isidore and Tonette (Toni-Fran)
Pittman. Sincere thanks also to Dr. Mark Wegmann, Dr. Mark Berenson and staff of NOLA Doc,
Dr. Lance Estrada, Dr. Sean Connolly, the nurses and staff of EJGH Cancer Center and
Endoscopy Unit, Charlotte Williamson, Jennifer Heine, and Geordie Huguley for their care, love,
and support.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Stephen’s Church of Good Shepherd Parish, her childhood
church where she fondly recalled receiving all of her sacraments. Relatives and friends are
invited to attend—1025 Napoleon Ave. on Friday, November 29, 2019. Visitation will begin at
10:00 a.m. with mass following at 1:00 p.m. Internment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery No.3.
Please consider a donation made in memory of Shirley S. Taylor to St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or St. Michael’s Special School
1522 Chippewa St., New Orleans, LA 70130; or the charity of your choice.

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