Shirley Frances Taylor, aged 78, of Martinsville, Virginia, peacefully transitioned from this life on May 19, 2026, at her residence.

Born and raised in Martinsville on August 17, 1947, to the late Mitchell Watkins and Azelee Roberts Price. Shirley was a lifelong resident who deeply loved her community and her neighbors. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, and unwavering willingness to help others left a profound mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Shirley’s faith was the guiding cornerstone of her life. She was a dedicated and faithful member of the High Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, where she was active on the Missionary Circle, Usher Board, Kitchen Committee, and The Gospel Chorus. She served her congregation with joy and devotion. Her beautiful voice brought comfort and praise as a longtime member of the church choir, and her passion for hospitality shone brightly through her many years of service on the kitchen committee, where she helped nourish both the bodies and souls of her church family.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will continue to inspire her family, friends, and church community.

Shirley was united in marriage to the late Joseph H. Taylor, Sr., and together they built a life centered on faith, family and community.

In addition to her parents, Mitchell Watkins and Azelee Roberts Price she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph H. Taylor, and her brother, Freno Price.

Shirley leaves to cherish her loving memories her two daughters, Azelee LaChelle Dandridge and her husband Barry and Donna Pilson and her husband Derwin all of Martinsville, VA; two sons, Joseph L. Taylor of Martinsville, VA, and Marvin Hairston and his wife Michelle of Ferrum, VA; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; two brothers, Douglas Watkins and his wife, Elaine, and Samuel Watkins; two sisters, Debbie Watkins and Pamela Preston and her husband Avery; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 12 noon at High Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, 1455 Carver Rd., Martinsville with Pastor Keishawn Niblett, Eulogist. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 869 Parkway Dr., Martinsville.

The family will receive friends at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville on Monday, May 25, 2026, between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Other times, the family will receive friends at the residence, 1818 Carver Rd., Martinsville. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.