Ruth Emma Alma Taylor

Ruth Emma ?Alma' Taylor left her earthly home Wednesday evening after a lengthy illness. This 97-year-old lifelong resident of Johnson City was the final surviving child, born to James and Mary (Jones) Brockwell on October 31, 1919. She joins her seven siblings: Alice Ross, William Brockwell, Robert Brockwell, Margaret Smith, Roy ?Jack' Brockwell, Lillian Hale, and Benny Joe Brockwell; as well as her husband, Brooks Charles Taylor (1988); and an infant son, who will all be waiting to welcome her home. A lover of music and laughter, she wrote songs, played the piano and guitar, and her four children grew up in a home filled with music they performed and recorded. Loved by all who met her for her Southern hospitality and the sparkle of mischief that fueled her practical jokes, her creativity was a well-known facet of her personality and we will miss her eagerness to break into song. Remembering her stubborn strength and independence are: her four children, Marion Nancine Fox, Joyce Bernell Harbin, Larry Brooks Taylor (Rita), and Michael Jeff Taylor (Susan); 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; a special niece, Peggy Combs (Ross), who was more like a sister to her; and several other nieces and nephews who will join us in mourning her sweet spirit. Ruth?s motto was, ?It?s better to laugh than cry,' and she always had a smile and kind words for those around her. We will smile through our tears as we remember the century of love she shared with us. A celebration of life will be held this spring. Family will meet for a graveside service at Mountain Home National Cemetery, where she will be interred with her spouse of more than 50 years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to your local animal shelter or the Alzheimer?s Association in honor of her dog, ?Tuffy', who kept her company for 15 years after the loss of her husband. Thank you to the Johnson City Medical Center, Lakebridge Health Care Center, and Caris Hospice for final hospice care. We hope you will always remember the 97-year-old angel who was still singing. Thank you for small daily kindnesses during her final care, with a special thanks to Justin Taylor for his sweet bedside manner and to Hannah for her help during those final moments.