Mary Beth Taylor

Mary Beth Taylor, 79, of Viera, wife of Harry O. “Skip” Taylor, died peacefully at her home after a valiant struggle with cancer on 3 August 2021. Mary Beth was born on 4 January 1942 in Omaha, Nebraska, the second child to James and Eloise Dishon. On May 29th this year Skip and Mary Beth celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. She was preceded in death by their beloved son, Timothy Craig, in 2011. Mary Beth served as an Army wife and a dedicated teacher, teaching 1st and 2nd grades for several years in Germany and Belgium in DOD schools as well as science at St Stephen’s Episcopal School, Coconut Grove, Florida. As an Army wife, Mary Beth excelled at supporting Skip in his military duties and giving amazing dinner parties whose centerpieces were interesting conversation and delicious food. After her retirement, Mary Beth spent much time loving on her young grandsons, playing golf, and perfecting her acting skills. Faith was the underpinning of all of Mary Beth’s days. She attended and led bible study regularly, read the lessons in church and worked as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, taking the sacraments and prayer to shut ins. A highlight of her deepening life of faith was a trip to the Holy Land in 2013. As a student, Mary Beth earned merit with the National Honor Society and Phi Kappa Delta; she graduated with honors from Omaha Central High School as well as the University of Nebraska Omaha. She was a lifetime member of Eastern Star. Mary Beth followed her passions and curiosity to satisfy her intellect; she was a self-taught gourmet chef, whose penchant for cookbooks filled several bookshelves at home. She was a tack sharp bridge partner, online solitaire champion, and patient game player as Oma to her grandkids. Always keen to make the most of her gifts, especially her zesty wit, Mary Beth took up acting with the Cart Barn Players at Indian River Colony Club. Her star qualities and dedication made her a hit with her audiences and fellow actors. She is survived by her husband Harry O. “Skip” Taylor, sister Susan Secrest, brother James Dishon, daughter Dianne (Bill) French, granddaughters Alissa (Reece) Cirulis, Amy (Andy Lipkin) French, daughter Susan (Rick) Dressler, and grandsons Roger and William Dressler. A Religious service for Mary Beth will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 10:45AM. At Prince of Peace Church. A celebration of Life for Mary Beth will he held at Indian River Colony Club (At Ease Club) Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 1:00PM. The family wishes to thank all those who have brought such loving support throughout Mary Beth’s illness. Her family at Prince of Peace, the IRCC community, and extended family; all of you brought great peace through your friendship and kindnesses. In honor of Mary Beth, the family wishes donations be made to Prince of Peace Anglican Church or the Cart Barn Players of IRCC in lieu of flowers. .