Deborah Gene Taylor, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, left this world on August 21, 2016, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 13, 1947, in Paris, Arkansas, Deborah was the cherished daughter of Eugene and Monett Moore, who preceded her in death, along with her infant son, Kenneth Eugene Taylor.

She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 60 years, Robert Lewis Taylor, with whom she shared a life full of adventure and love since their marriage on February 3, 1967. Together, they raised two daughters, Cathy Begley (Chuck) and Amanda Cox, and watched their family grow to include six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A woman of immense faith and dedication, Deborah graduated from Paris High School in 1965 before pursuing a career in education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and a master’s in education administration from Midwestern State University. Deborah dedicated over 40 years to elementary education, first as a compassionate teacher who treated each child as her own, and later as a principal, where she inspired countless educators and students alike.

Her commitment to her community extended beyond the classroom. As an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Radford, Virginia, Deborah was known for her tireless dedication to various ministries. Whether teaching Grace Class Women’s Ministry, bible study, children’s church, AWANA, championing the prayer room, or volunteering with the Blessing Meals and the Cards of Ministry, her life was a testament to her deep faith and her calling to serve others.

Deborah’s love for her family was evident in everything she did. Her home was always filled with laughter, the aroma of her delicious cooking, and the vibrant colors of her meticulously tended plants and flowers. Known for her green thumb, she found joy and solace in nurturing her plants and watching them flourish.

Her gentle spirit and unwavering faith made her a fierce prayer warrior, always ready to extend a hand in prayer to anyone in need. Her life was a living testament to her belief in her Lord, and she embraced every opportunity to share her faith with others, confident in her eternal place beside Jesus.

Deborah is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Gary Moore (Sheila); sister, Linda Hixson; grandchildren, Justin Begley, Emily Begley, Katie Davis (Jonathan), Zachary Parmelee, Taylor Parmelee, and Alexander Parmelee; great-grandchildren, Grace Begley, Lainey Begley, Reed Begley, Sadie Davis, Maddy Davis, Rory Parmelee, Andy Parmelee, Myra Parmelee, and Bridger Sutphin.

A celebration of Deborah’s life will be held at 12 p.m., on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church, 624 Sixth Street, Radford, Virginia, 24141, where her legacy of faith and love will be honored by all who knew her. Burial will take place privately at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Calvary Baptist Church, honoring Deborah’s spirit of giving and compassion.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the incredible nurses at Roanoke Memorial Hospital ICU, especially Tierney and Lea, for their loving and compassionate care during Deborah’s final days. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her, forever cherished and never forgotten.

The Taylor family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, VA www.mullinsfuneralhome.com.