Obituaries

Eliza Mae Taylor, 91, of Martinsville, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. She was born on July 6, 1934, in Martinsville, Virginia, the oldest child of the late John Nick Martin and Mariah Louise Spencer Martin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Taylor; sisters, Helen George, Shirley Hairston, Barbara Jean Redd; brother, brother-in-law, Joe Hairston.

Eliza was a faithful member of Antioch Christian Church, where she faithfully served in many capacities throughout the years. She served as President of the Christian Women’s Fellowship, Secretary of Antioch Christian Church, served on the Kitchen Committee, and was a dedicated Youth Sponsor. Eliza loved singing praises unto the Lord and dearly loved her church family. She enjoyed reading, especially her Bible, talking with her friends, and cooking meals for those she loved, especially her turnip greens and sweet potato pies. Most of all, she loved hearing her daughter sing and play the piano at church.

She was formerly employed with Henry County as a school bus driver for 18 years. Eliza will be remembered for her loving spirit, faithful service, and the kindness she shared with everyone she met.

She is survived by her daughter, Michalle Manns; grandchildren, Joshua Taylor and Jaeda Manns; brother, Willie Martin (Lavonne), brother-in-law, Lester Redd, and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Antioch Christian Church with Rev. Barry Hylton officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM prior to the service at the church.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.