Faye James Varnado Taylor, 90, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 16, 2025, following a lengthy illness. She was born on September 22, 1934, in Edna, Alabama to Mary Rodgers James and William M. James. After graduating from Choctaw County High School in Butler, AL, Faye moved to Mobile, AL where she met her first husband George N Varnado. They would raise two children - Cheryl and Darrell - partly in Kingston Jamaica, where George worked, and the family played. Faye and her family developed friendships with a great group of American Expats working in the country. She took up golf and enjoyed excursions with her family to various parts of the island. Four years later they found their way back to Mobile, Alabama. Prior to Island life Faye had worked various jobs in Mobile, including at Brookley Field for 10 years and Elevator world. She started her family and even cheated death, having been run over in a phone booth on the corner of Broad Street near Government Street sometime in the late 60s. After Island life Faye and George enjoyed trips with the kids -traveling through Europe and into the smokey mountains - once driving from Mobile to Mexico City. Look at that trip on a map one day when you've got nothing better to do. Her last job was at the Social Security Office of Hearings and Appeals where she worked in management for 22 years. She excelled in her work and was loved by all who knew her - Yes really - All! Faye and George were married 39 years until his death in 1993. Together they raised 2 children and had a lifetime of experiences. In 1996, Faye married Lowell Taylor and moved to Warner Robins, GA. They were married for 24 years until Lowell's death in 2021. They adored each other and lived life to the fullest. They enjoyed square dancing and round dancing several nights a week. They were very active in their church and Sunday school class and were always hosting family and friends at their beautiful home. Faye's most important job and the one she was best at was being a mother and Grandmother. She was kind, compassionate and selfless. She always looked for the positive side of every situation and the beauty in every person. She had a great sense of humor - Sometimes witty and others completely unintentional. She was beautiful with a pretty smile and bright blue eyes. She set a strong and courageous example for her children and grandchildren - leaving a legacy that will live on for generations.
Faye is survived by her children, Cheryl Varnado Rudolph (Todd) and Darrell Varnado; grandchildren, Bennie Varnado (Danielle), Brooke Varnado, Sam Varnado, Chloe Rudolph and Austin Rudolph, great-granddaughter, Grace Varnado; stepchildren Karen Herndon (Bob) and Edwin Taylor (Shari) and their children and grandchildren; her half siblings JoJo Wright, Bobby James, Ann Tarver, Leize Fuller and Mona Garrett; and many nieces and nephews. Faye was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, George Varnado; her second husband, Lowell Taylor; her twin brother, William Ray James; her halfsiblings, Curtis James, Carleen Mason, Glennice Singley and Cathy Reid; and her great granddaughter, Maria Varnado.
Please join the family in celebrating her life on Saturday, January 25, 2025, with visitation from 11:00am to 12:00 noon at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 6040 Three Notch Road Mobile, AL 36619. The funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00pm. Faye will be laid to rest in Mobile Memorial Gardens.
September 22, 1934 — January 16, 2025
Interment will take place in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery 6100 Three Notch Rd. Mobile, AL 36619
