Diane Rowell Taylor

Mrs. Diane R. Taylor, age 83, of Davisboro, passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2026. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, August 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Davisboro United Methodist Church, with Reverend Jay Reppert and Reverend Ron Dixon officiating. The family will receive friends, Saturday from 12:00 noon until 1:30 p.m. at the Taylor home on North Main Street in Davisboro.

Diane was born and raised in Thomaston, Georgia, the daughter of the late Jacob McKenzie Rowell and Annie Lois Long Rowell. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, where she excelled in athletics, especially basketball and softball. Following high school, she attended Georgia College for Women in Milledgeville, where she pursued a degree in education.

After marrying Jack B. Taylor Jr., Diane made Davisboro her home and devoted herself to raising their family. She later returned to Georgia College to earn her nursing degree, beginning a career that reflected what came most naturally to her—caring for others. She began as an intensive care nurse at Memorial Hospital of Washington County before transitioning to geriatric care at Glendale Nursing Home in Wadley. She later served as Director of Nursing at Heritage Inn of Sandersville. Retirement did little to diminish her desire to serve others, and she continued sharing her compassion and nursing skills as a hospice nurse.

Diane’s caring spirit extended far beyond her profession. She was an active and devoted member of Davisboro United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and participated in the United Methodist Women’s group. Her faith was reflected not only in her involvement with the church, but also in the countless ways she cared for her family, friends, neighbors, and those in need.

Cooking was one of Diane’s favorite ways to show her love. Whether preparing a meal for family and friends or taking food to someone who needed a little extra care, she found great joy in serving others. That gift of hospitality was especially evident each Fourth of July, one of her favorite times of the year, when the Taylor home in Davisboro became affectionately known as “Grand Central Station.” Family and friends gathered in abundance, and Diane was happiest with a house full of people she loved.

She also knew how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Diane was a talented and longtime bridge player, an avid Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves fan, and an enthusiastic reader. She loved searching for treasures while antiquing and thrift shopping and was a great supporter of the fine arts. She regularly attended Washington County Concert Association performances and especially treasured watching her grandchildren perform at the high school. On quieter days, one of her favorite pastimes was simply sitting on her front porch and watching the birds.

At the heart of Diane’s life was her family. She deeply cherished the time spent with those she loved and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. She is survived by her husband, Jack B. Taylor Jr.; her children, Kim T. Bost of Lake Tillery, North Carolina, Kelly T. Severance (Sammy) of Davisboro, and Jack B. Taylor III (Meredith) of Sandersville; her grandchildren, Zachary Bost (Alex), Taylor A. Bost, Emma Grace Bost, Bethany S. Williams (Ben), Caleb Severance (Peyton), Payton Severance, Jack B. Taylor IV, and Nell Taylor; her great-granddaughter, Leyton Angelia Severance; and her sister, Vickie Moses (Heshy) of Sebastian, Florida.

Diane’s life was defined by a genuine love for people and a remarkable gift for caring for them. Whether through her nursing career, her church, a home-cooked meal, a welcoming front door, or simply being there when someone needed her, she gave generously of herself. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, hospitality, and devotion to family—a legacy that will continue in the lives of the many people who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Please leave an online condolence at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.