Remembering Jean Taylor
Memorial tribute to Jean Taylor in front of St. John’s Elementary School in Darlington, SC
Friends, colleagues and former students shared their profound sadness in the loss of Jean Byrd Taylor, who passed away on November 18, 2016. Taylor had been employed by the Darlington County School District since 1973, and had been the principal of St. John’s Elementary School for the past 25 years.
Mrs. Jean Byrd Taylor
Below, we share memories that were sent to us and shared on our Facebook page. Special thanks to Julie Howle with providing images to share for this story.
Memorials may be made in her honor to the Darlington County School District for the Children of St. John’s Elementary School.
Julie Howle:
Over the past week, I’ve walked and ridden by St. John’s Elementary more than I have in the past six years since I retired. After working for someone for eighteen years and both of my children attended SJE, I guess I just felt a need to reminisce a bit. I didn’t know her as Jean, I knew her only as “Mrs. Taylor.”
Each time I rode or walked by it was a crisp, fall picture perfect day. I was drawn to walk by “her” impeccable office, “her” cafeteria, “her” grounds, “her” parking space, and “our” little home away from home”. I “reflected” (a word she used quite frequently) about the many fall festivals, The Terrific Kids’ Programs, the Lt. Governor’s Writing Contests, the graduations, the AR Competitions, The Battle of the Books, the first day of school pulling our wagons loaded down with materials and agendas on a scorching hot August day, the handbook, the fire drills, the faculty volleyball games, the dreaded rainy day bus duties, the author visits, the joy and excitement of the last day of school before Christmas Break, the changing seasons, PBIS, the fried chicken day aroma, the last day of school hall meeting before dispersing for the summer when all the major announcements would be made, her whistles, her megaphone, her gold coin ring, the Weinberg sausage Christmas gifts, the school song, the character words, the moment of silence each day, and the tears and the laughter of days gone by.
Over the years, I had made a list of some of her common quotes for the big fanfare when she retired. Today, I couldn’t put my hands on the list. I thought I had much more time to plan that day. But, I remember a few:
Her first day regimen, ” Get ‘em in, get ‘em fed, and get ‘em safely on the right bus home.”
“Remember when you are at the grocery store or in the aisles at Walmart that you are representing St. John’s Elementary.”,
“Change is constant.”
“Teach with vigor.”
“Engage the students.”
“Embrace this new opportunity.”
“If you fail to plan, plan to fail,” That was actually from a book talk we did at one time, but we all knew that she lived by that quote and we should too.
Mrs. Taylor witnessed some of my highest moments and some of my lowest moments. She was demanding, but never ever expected anything from me, or others, that she wouldn’t have done herself. After my visits this week, I felt at peace, as I know she does. I felt thankful! Thankful to have had the privilege of working for such a devoted, dedicated, and hard-working lady!
Mrs. Jean Byrd Taylor
Michelle Brand:
The Thornwell School for the Arts sends their deepest, heartfelt condolences to our neighboring family of St. John’s Elementary school and to the family of Mrs. Jean Taylor. Her legend will live on, in the hearts of all of those who knew her.
Whit James:
I went to St. John’s from kindergarten to 6th grade. I am 29 now and still cherish the memories I have from that school. She was an amazing principal and person in general. She had such a huge impact on so many young lives and will be greatly missed
Diane Wells Griggs Kea
She was the sweetest person and Principal. I did quite a bit of substitute teaching for St. John’s Elementary under her leadership. You will be missed.
Tribute to Mrs. Taylor at St. John’s Elementary School
Cindy Redick:
I’ve known Jean many many years. She and Lee are my parents’ best friends. I have many wonderful memories, but the one that stands out in my mind the most was a camping trip at Pirateland. We were all having a great time and our trip was cut short by an emergency phone call. We had to pack up quickly to head home. Jean and Lee jumped right in to lend a helping hand. While Lee helped with the big stuff, Jean helped out with the grandkids telling them wonderful stories and sharing amazing facts about the most simple things. She picked up a rock and a shell and went into great detail with some amazing facts. My grandkids were mesmerized by Jean and her wonderful stories. I will never forget that day and the kindness she showed to us. In our time of distress she knew exactly what to do to help out. That’s just one of my many stories. Her gentle spirit and her love for GOD was always evident. She will be greatly missed, but she lives on in the many lives she’s touched in this community. One thing for sure, Jean Taylor will never be forgotten.
Missy Anne Harman:
I went to SJE kindergarten thru third grade and she was always very nice and caring, she loved all her students. You will be dearly missed and loved my deepest sympathy goes out to her family.
Colin Jordan:
Jean Byrd Taylor loved and was loved by all who knew her. During her short time on earth she touched so many lives that only our God would know.
RIP my friend. You will be missed.
Fond memories of Mrs. Jean Byrd Taylor placed at her tribute memorial at St. John’s Elementary School
Verónica Gallo-Bambery:
There are no words. She was kind, caring, a great leader, a committed educator. The S.C. education system has lost one of the best.
Sheila Stokes Rotan:
I was a Substitute Teacher there in the 90’s. She was a wonderful Principal.
Anya Brown:
Great lady…..left some mighty big shoes to fill
Kasey Cooke Tomlinson:
Heartbroken.