Edna J. Marilla Taylor, had a beautiful voice
Edna Joanna Marilla Taylor, 95, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, after a long illness. She was born Sept. 26, 1924, in her beloved hometown of Chatham, Va. She was the baby of the six children born to her parents, John and Lelia Marilla.
Edna married Stan Taylor of Keyser, W.Va., who left soon after the wedding in 1944 to what Stan referred to as a “camping trip across Europe.”
Edna is predeceased by her grandson, Michael Petrellis; and her husband, Stanley Taylor Sr. She is survived by her five children and their families: John “Freddy” Taylor (Patti), Stan Taylor Jr. (Jill), Julie Taylor, Sarah Smith (Herbert) and Joe Taylor (Amy). She took great pride in her 14 grandchildren and in her 14 great-grandchildren.
In 1958, Stan and Edna moved to Ocean View with their five children. If you knew Edna at all, you know she loved her children. She was known to brag a lot about their intelligence, good looks, musical ability and kindness. No doubt she overdid the praise just a little. However, because so many people loved “Miss Edna,” they would generously listen to accolades she would bestow upon her children.
Edna was perhaps best known for her beautiful soprano voice which she graced the congregation of Mariner’s Bethel UMC with over 60 years. It would be impossible to determine the number of Christmas and Easter cantatas, wedding ceremonies, and funerals that were blessed with the sound of Edna’s voice.
The only individual who could come close to guessing the number of these performances would be Edna’s dear friend and piano accompanist, Ruth Davis. This talented, sweet lady will be playing the organ for Edna’s funeral service. Perhaps the lyrics of one of Edna’s favorite songs might give insight into her love for singing:
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free.
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me.
In 1964, Edna began working for her friends Ray and Sally Hickman, founders of Raymond Hickman Realty and Builders, in Bethany Beach. For almost 40 years, Edna had a reputation for her willingness to go above and beyond for all of her clients. In fact, many of her renters and buyers, became her lifelong friends and acquaintances long after her retirement in real estate. The fact that she often made pineapple upside down cake for her clients surely contributed to her reputation of kindness.
Edna spread her love and light at Brandywine Assisted Living for many years. The love was returned to her by compassionate and generous staff, several of whom became like family to her.
Edna loved birds, winter sunsets and her flowers. She was a champion of the underdog. It would take a lot to make Edna angry, but if she felt that someone was being taken advantage of or mistreated, she just might unleash her righteous indignation. She was small in physical size, but her intolerance of injustice was a force to be reckoned with.
A Funeral Service and celebration of Edna’s life will be held at noon, Saturday, Feb. 1, at Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church in Ocean View, with visitation starting at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to The Michael Petrellis Memorial Scholarship Fund, 901 Morton Ave., Folsom, PA 19033 with great appreciation from her family.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
