Lillian Gertrude Holcomb

Lillian Gertrude Holcomb Taylor, 89, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, went home to our Savior on Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Ocean Springs. She was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on June 14, 1923, to parents Rev. and Mrs. John Payton (Ruby McIlwain) Holcomb. Lillian used her talents and organizational skills at her work as a teacher at Runnelston High School prior to serving as a Home Extension Agent in George County from 1945 to 1947, owner and operator (with Earle) of the Gulf Kist Poultry Farm & Hatchery for a number of years in Ocean Springs, Media Center Specialist for Ocean Springs School District for 15 years and as a Christian homemaker. Mrs. Taylor attended Oak Grove and Sumrall High Schools and received a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Science and a Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1981. Mrs. Taylor was a member of the Mississippi Library Association and the Mississippi Education Association. Mrs. Taylor was an active member and taught Sunday School for years at the First Baptist Church in Ocean Springs and was a former Sunday School teacher at St. Paul Methodist Church. She gave testimony of her Savior and her eternity in heaven until her home-going on Thursday. Her most prized earthly possession was her Bible. A supportive family member, she cared for many people, ministering to those in need. Lillian left a wonderful Christian legacy as she shared her love by researching and compiling family geneology and photographs into many books as a heritage to her children and loved ones. Lillian was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Earle Richard Taylor, two brothers, Bob Holcomb and Thomas Holcomb, and two sisters, Bettie Lee Warren and Minnie Easterling. She was a loving and devoted mother to five daughters: Mrs. Phil (Becky) Crosby, of Independence, MO, Mrs. Robert (Liann) Cirlot, of Ringgold, GA, Mrs. Wayne (Mary Jane) Young, of Jay, FL, Ms. Martha Kay Taylor (Steve Ladner), of Long Beach and Mrs. Gary (Betty) Hopkins of Ocean Springs. Mrs. Taylor was a wonderful grandmother to 12 grandchildren: Rob Cirlot, Ashley Crosby Davidson, Jane’ Cirlot Ellis, Rachel Crosby Hamann, Holly Cirlot Ozborn, Marcy Cirlot Kernea, Taylor Young, and Natalie, Jonathan, Rebekah, Anna and David Hopkins. Lillian had seven great grandchildren: Brooks, Barrett and Beckham Davidson, Emery and Jesse Clay Ellis, Jones and Macy Hamann, and Gavin Ozborn. She is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. C.G. (Nina) Clark and Mrs. Jim (Martha) Walker and three brothers, Dr. Charlie (Jewell) Holcomb, Benton Holcomb and Billy (June) Holcomb. The family is thankful for our extended members who have cared so lovingly for our mother during her illness: Kathy Hinton, Sioux Bee Lacy, Laura Landale, Rhonda Padgett, Mary Ponder, Lynn Quist, Misty Charboneau and Wanda Crawford. Visitation will be on Saturday, May 4, 2013, from 12 Noon until 2 PM, with a 2 PM church service, all at the First Baptist Church in Ocean Springs. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Taylor requested The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren may be given as gifts to others or donations to the Lottie Moon International Missions Offering in care of First Baptist Church.