Jean M. Taylor

Jean (Burton) Taylor of Washington, Missouri passed from this earth on Saturday, February 20.  She was born in Ottumwa, IA on July 23, 1953 to Martha Stevens Burton and Lloyd Burton. The family moved, with her older brother David, to La Jolla, CA. Jean graduated from La Jolla Country Day in 1971.

On July 10, 1976 she married the love of her life, Doug Taylor.  The two met on Star Island in Cass Lake, MN in 1971 when they were mere teenagers.  The married couple lived in St. Paul Minnesota, where Doug’s family resided. During the early years of their marriage the couple enjoyed time at the curling rink and time on Star Island.

In March of 1979, her daughter Brianne was born.  The two were more than just mother and daughter, they were the best of friends sharing a lifetime love of horses, books, and helping others.

In 1984 the family of three moved back to California, first living in San Jose and then Newport Beach.  Jean went to work for Monex, a job she greatly enjoyed.  Jean was able to live close to her family, and spent time at the beach, the pool, camping, and enjoying the sunshine.

After living in California for several years, the family moved to the other coast in Virginia.  It was there that Jean’s dream of owning a horse and riding became a reality.  She was a constant supporter as her daughter Brianne competed at horse shows, fairs, and all things horse related. 

In 1991 it was time for the family to move again, this time landing for good in Washington, MO.  Jean began substitute teaching and worked as an Aid to a student in the Union School District.  As a result, she took classes in American Sign Language and became an interpreter for a deaf student in the district. In 1994, she decided to go back to school and get her BA in Elementary Education from Central Methodist University and eventually her Master’s in Library Science from the University of Missouri, Columbia. 

In 1997, she was hired as the librarian at Union High School.  Over the course of 20 years, she touched many lives. She loved her job, her students, her colleagues, and was incredibly proud to be a Wildcat! She was the faculty advisor for several clubs including Union’s first LGBT club, a fact of which she was incredibly proud.  She was a fierce advocate for equality and an immensely proud Democrat. For the 2008 and 2016 elections, she sent postcards supporting candidates in key battleground states.

Jean retired in June of 2017, as her physical health was in decline. After retiring, she was able to spend even more time reading. She also rediscovered her passion for art and even crafting.  She dabbled in crocheting, making beaded jewelry, pottery, and drawing before settling on her preferred medium: oil pastels.  She joined online groups to share her love of art.

Jean is survived by her best friend and husband of nearly 45 years, Douglas Taylor of Washington, her daughter Brianne Markin (Clint), her grandchildren Jameson and Josephine of Eau Claire, WI, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Stevens, father Lloyd Burton, and brother David Burton, all of La Jolla, CA.

Jean was warm, kind, funny, a lover of books, kids and animals. She loved fiercely and will be greatly missed by all who were lucky to know her.

In light of the pandemic, as would have been Jean’s wishes, no service has been planned at this time.  A celebration of life will be held at a time when it is safe to gather all who loved her.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in her name to No Kid Hungry, Beaver Creek Reserve (where her daughter worked), your local library, or animal welfare organization.

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