By Erik Harris
TRUSSVILLE – The Grace Community Church in Trussville will be celebrating a special birthday on Sunday, June 14.
One of its members—Frances Taylor—will turn 100 years old on June 20, and much like it did for Taylor’s 90th birthday, the church wants to host the celebration.
“They’re all just really sweet and they’ve really ministered to her over the years, so they’re just a really good church,” said Taylor’s daughter-in-law, Jo.
Frances Taylor. submitted photo
The party will be a “come-and-go” type reception for family, friends and church members. It will begin at 3 p.m. and last until 5 p.m.
“(The church) did her 90th birthday, and they made it very clear that they wanted to do her 100th birthday,” said Jo. “It’s a real tribute to her. That’s the way we all feel about it.”
Although Taylor has outlived much of her family, she still has three granddaughters, eight great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Most of her family is expected to attend the party.
Taylor graduated from Tarrant High School and was married to Fred James Taylor, who passed away in 1983. Their only son was Fred Morgan Taylor, who passed away on January 10 at the age of 75.
“(Taylor) did okay, she’s a real strong Christian, which is the only thing that got any of us through it,” said Jo, who was married to Taylor’s only son for 57 years.
She spent many years working as a unit clerk at Caraway Hospital and cooking for a “railroad man”. Her husband made a living working for the railroad.
Taylor, the oldest of four siblings, currently lives at Peachtree Assisted Living in Trussville, where she can be seen walking the grounds on her way to Tuesday nigh bible study.
According to Jo, her mother-in-law is the “liveliest” resident at Peachtree.
“She does not look 100,” said Jo. “She gets around and dresses very sharp. She’s not you typical 100-year-old. She would still like to be driving and living by herself.”
Taylor’s parents lived to be 92 and 98 years old.
