Melanie Ann Taylor, 57, my sister and friend, peacefully passed into God’s loving embrace on March 6, 2017 after a long illness.

Melanie was born in Philadelphia, Pa. on Christmas Eve in the year 1959 to David Taylor and Charleen Mayson Taylor. She attended Polk Central High School and the University of North Carolina in Greensboro where she ultimately obtained her master’s degree in English literature.

Melanie touched the lives of many students with her smile, compassion and sense of humor as an educator in Henderson County, teaching many years at the Balfour Education Center. She cared for her students dearly and felt honored to be able to offer a meaningful difference in their lives.

Her professional accomplishments included Teacher of the Year Award and National Board Certification.

My sister truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. She was deeply attuned to the wonders of nature and loved strolling through the woods every day, no matter what the weather, with our many dogs. She often returned from her walks with an inspiration for a creative drawing or an art project or perhaps simply carrying a large feather she found on the ground. Melanie was a profoundly talented individual who enjoyed painting, drawing, writing short stories and reading books.

Aunt Melanie was extremely proud of her two nephews, Christopher and David, all their wonderful accomplishments and the outstanding young men they had grown to be. She often reminisced about their visits to her house where they would watch MacGyver marathons, snack on buttered popcorn and sip sweet iced tea. Aunt Melanie always enjoyed helping the boys with their homework assignments and creative school projects following our nightly family meals together.

Melanie was a member of Tryon Presbyterian Church where we hold fond memories of attending the candlelight Christmas Eve service after her birthday celebration and the Easter sunrise service as a family every year.

Left to cherish her unique and individual creativity is her father, David Taylor, her sister Colleen Taylor Abril, her brother Steven Taylor, her nephew Christopher Abril, his wife Lauren and their son Chandler and her nephew David Abril.

Melanie was predeceased by her mother, Charleen Mayson Taylor and grandmother, Amy Oakes Kress. A private memorial service will be held later in the spring. She will be greatly missed by her family and all those who knew her.

One of Melanie’s favorite quotes is from the poem “The Old Astronomer to His Pupil” by Sarah Williams: “Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light, I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.”

To leave a condolence for the family of Melanie Ann Taylor please visit “obituaries” at www.moore-fh.com.

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is caring for the family.

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations
Brevard, N.C.