Judy Elaine Nichols Tayloe

The family of Judy N. Tayloe of Rural Hall, NC is deeply saddened to announce her passing. Judy entered the more immediate presence of her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with her family at her side. Judy was born September 22,1947 in Greensboro, NC, the second daughter of John Burtus Nichols and Mary Elaine Bird Nichols. She graduated from Grimsley High School and attended Gardner-Webb College in Boiling Springs before graduating from Western Carolina University in 1969. After graduation, she served with the Red Cross in Vietnam as a Donut Dolly. There she was responsible for developing and carrying out recreational activities for the soldiers stationed in the country. After her return to the States, Judy worked for Piedmont Airlines for several years. There she met her beloved husband, Johnnie Richard Tayloe, whom she married in October of 1975 and who survives her. They are parents to three sons; Nathan (Vanessa) of Wilmington, NC; Lee (Carrie), also of Wilmington, NC; and David (Heather) of Hoover, Alabama. She is also survived by three siblings; Lynn Nichols Riggsbee (Jim) of Cashiers, NC; Charles Nichols (Renee) of Jamestown, NC; and Mary Nichols Diaz of Greensboro, NC. Also mourning her passing are brother-in-law, Gordon Tayloe and his wife Cassandra of King, NC. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nephews, and a niece.

Judy was a calm, gentle, loving soul. She was completely generous with her Christian nature and never hesitated to put it into action by helping those in need, regardless of the nature of that need. She freely gave her time and energy to family, friends, and neighbors. She impacted every life that she touched with her loving and gentle nature. She faced her illness with courage and dignity and was inspirational to all who knew her.

She adored her husband, Johnnie, and considered his care to be the greatest mission of her life. She was completely devoted to her three sons, and when they married, she welcomed their wives with open arms, thus perpetuating and strengthening the bonds of family. Her love for her siblings was life long and she actively maintained the childhood connections to them. She loved her church and its members and, most of all, she loved Jesus. The importance of Christ in her life was reflected in her every action and while we will miss her, we rejoice in her new life in Him. Hallelujah!

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Bethabara Moravian Church’s God’s Acre, 4441 Oldtown Dr., Winston Salem, N.C. 27106

Memorials can be made to the American Red Cross Overseas Association (ARCOA), PO Box 712, Basye, VA 22810; to the Winston Salem Autism Foundation, 8064 North Point Blvd. #200, Winston Salem, NC 27106; or the Bethabara Moravian Church, 2100 Bethabara Rd., Winston Salem, NC 27106.