Genoa Hayes Taylor passed peacefully at home on the evening of October 5, 2024. She has joined her beloved son, Russell, and her husband, Bill, as they welcomed her home with loving and tender arms.

She was born in Harmony, N.C., on August 5, 1938, to W.G. Hayes and Eula Myers Hayes. She was a graduate of Harmony High School, and on November 4, 1956, Genoa was married to William “Bill” Kenneth Taylor at Holly Springs Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband and her son, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Norma Snow, Olean Ellis, and Ulean Snow; and brothers, Horace Hayes, and A.G. Hayes; and her special, much-beloved aunt, Jewel Myers.

She is survived by sister, Camilla Thompson, Barry and Margaret Clendenin, many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as other family and friends.

Genoa was employed by General Motors in Winston-Salem. Genoa and Bill resided in Winston-Salem in their early years of marriage when Bill was a student at Wake Forest University. She was always a Demon Deacon in spirit! Bill, Genoa, and Russell shared a deep love for Wake Forest and all that it represented in their lives.

After she and Bill resided in Alabama and Tennessee for his work, in later years, Genoa was employed in Statesville at Coldwell Banker, where she served in the office.

Genoa’s highest joy in life was raising and nurturing their only child, Russell. He was the light of her life and brightened each of her days until her passing.

Genoa’s spirit of adventure and her love of travel enriched her life as she and Bill explored the world. They loved their extended family and encouraged and uplifted each one. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Statesville.

Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, October 13, at 2 p.m. in the Troutman Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Jeff Porter officiating. The family will visit with friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Russell Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund, Wake Forest University, University Advancement, P.O. Box 7227, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109.

The family would like to express sincerest appreciation to the caregivers from Accessible Home Care for their deep and abiding care for Genoa. The family would also like to express gratitude to Hospice of Iredell County for their care.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.