Mary Hollis Taylor Foster

Mary was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Mary was born to Joe Moxley Hollis and Thelma Lenora Lowman Hollis in Georgiana, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Thomas Watkins Taylor, Sr. and George Samuel Foster; her son, Thomas Watkins Taylor, Jr.; granddaughter, Jessica Paige Thomas; and four brothers.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Jayne Taylor Dobbins (Dan), Susan Taylor Thames, Emily Gail Taylor Jones (Horace); one brother, Thomas Gerald Hollis (Patsy); nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and dear friend Kitty Grubb.

Mary grew up in Troy, Alabama, and when she was 13 the family moved to Sylacauga, Alabama. She met and married Thomas Watkins Taylor, Sr. there and moved to Dayton, where she lived with his family while he served with the army in WWII. She graduated from Rhea County High School in just three years and went to work for the US Government Manhattan Project Program which developed the atomic bomb in Oakridge. Mary later graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1976 after having raised four children and managed the family farm.

Mary had many hobbies and interests. She loved the Tennessee Volunteers and would cheer them on throughout the year, especially in football season. She was a Life Master in bridge and enjoyed playing and teaching bridge. Mary could be found on the tennis courts and the lap pools most weeks. When she had to give up tennis she became an excellent golfer. Mary loved being at Lake Martin water skiing, fishing and most of all visiting with her family.

Mary’s burial was Friday, May 24 at 3:00 p.m. at Green Hills Cemetery in Troy, Alabama. Her memorial service was Saturday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m. at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Birmingham, Alabama with her family receiving friends immediately following in the Edgewood Parlor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Alzheimer’s Association Alabama Chapter 2151 Highland Ave #210 Birmingham, AL 35205 or by calling 205-379-8065 or to Society of St. Stephen Assistance Program care of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church 1507 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 366604 or by calling 251-471-1511.

Arrangements made by Ridouts Valley Chapel in Homewood, Alabama. Announcement made by Pikeville Funeral Home.