Mary Virginia Taylor

May 28, 1936 - June 8, 2024 

Loved 88 years, Mary Virginia Taylor was born May 28, 1936, in Wichita, Kansas, to Evelyn Lucille Koenig, age 18, and James Owen Taylor, age 19.

Mary, Aka “Aunt Sis”, moved with her parents and brother James to Coffeyville, KS in 1945. After graduation from FKHS in 1954, Mary joined her brother at the University of Oklahoma then transferred to University of Arkansas.

Mary found an adventurous career outside of the home traveling for 3 years as an airline stewardess for Trans World Airlines in Los Angeles, CA. Mary realized her God-given talent as a singer/songwriter and was signed by Capitol Records. Mary entertained troops, touring to Europe and the Far East. She preformed throughout North America and successfully wrote and recorded many songs. Mary was cast as a regular on the hit show “Hee Haw” for several years. There was no denying Mary had a natural talent onstage. She was a fearless funny beauty, preforming live hits and skits on radio and TV.

In 1971, Mary and John Salisbury married and had a son, Michael. Both Mother and Son took the name Taylor upon divorce in 1976. After retiring as a singer, Mary returned home to Coffeyville with her son where she raised him with her loving parents. Together with her Brother, Mary cared for their Mother and Father who lived into their late 90’s.

Through retirement, Sis enjoyed antiquing, family, and travel. Mary was an active member of the Coffeyville community who connected through reading, fashion, movies, card playing, and sharing tasty treats.

Mary was a fantastic and committed daughter, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend who lived an exciting and fulfilling life. She will be missed by all who knew her, especially her beloved Son, family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her Mother, Evelyn Lucille Taylor (96), Father, James Owen Taylor (98), and Brother, James Clinton Taylor, Sr (85).

She is survived by her Son Michael Owen Taylor. Nieces/Nephews Robert Taylor, James Taylor, Jr, Elizabeth Taylor, Greg Taylor & Mary Kai (Eric) Brandenburg; Great Nieces/Nephews Victoria Santagata, Jamie Santagata, Clinton Taylor, Christopher Taylor, Samuel Taylor, Jennifer Taylor (Nenad) Despotovic, James Taylor III, Lucas Taylor, Alexander Brandenburg, and Greyson Brandenburg; Great-Great Nieces/Nephews Kaci Hultz, Karla Hultz, Cannen Farha, Chloe Taylor, Lillian Taylor, Marko Despotovic & Luka Despotovic.

Funeral services will be held at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel in Coffeyville, KS., with public visitation available Friday, June 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Her graveside service will be held Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery with visitation available for the family at 9 a.m.. To leave an online condolence share a memory or view live streaming of services visit https://www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com/obituaries/mary-taylor

The family asks that you send flowers and plants if you choose. After the service, they will be delivered to and shared with her friends at Asbury Village.